Peanut Butter Brownies

As an American living overseas in Australia, it boggles my mind why Australians do not get the whole peanut butter/chocolate thing! I am making it my mission to spread the peanut buttery-chocolaty goodness to Australians!

I came across this recipe online recently and made a mental note to make it at first opportunity. It is a VERY large batch, so if you make it, be prepared to share! My husband took a plate to work today and judging by the empty plate that came home with him, I think they were a success.

I do feel that the recipe calls for a bit too much ganache on top and next time I make these, I will half the ganache.

ENJOY!





For brownies

• 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (9 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For ganache

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) with rack in middle. Butter a 9 x 13, 2 inch baking pan, then line bottom of pan with baking paper. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until mixture is light and fluffy, then add peanut butter and beat until incorporated. Beat in whole eggs, egg yolk, vanilla and salt. Reduce mixer sped to low, then mix in flour until just combined.
Mix in chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups) then spread batter in baking pan, smoothing top. Bake until brownies are deep golden, puffed on top and a wooden pick inserted in center come out with some crumbs adhering, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cool completely in pan on a rack, about 1 1/2 hours.

Make ganache: Put chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups) in a heatproof bowl.
Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour over chocolate chips and let mixture stand for one minute.
Gently whisk in butter until it is incorporated, chocolate is melted, and a smooth mixture forms.
Spread ganache on cooled brownies and let stand until set, about 15 minutes.