RECIPE MAGIC!

FUDGY BROWNIES

We’re thinking it’s time to bring out the sweet bakes, the ones that are easy to make and bring out the cozy in everyone. Believe it or not, extra virgin olive oil makes for a double whammy of goodness. Switch from butter to olive oil and you’ve added a “healthier” fat — and no need to melt the butter! Our not-too-sweet brownie recipe is soft, extra fudgy, and delivers that shiny crackly crust. A sprinkle of our handcrafted sea salt elevates them to gourmet bakery status.

And here’s where the fun begins: a splash of berry balsamic turns these chocolate brownies into something layered and unexpected — rich cocoa at the centre, with berries weaving in a gentle tart-sweet note that brightens each bite. Chocolate stays firmly in charge. Think of a dark chocolate bar with a hint of raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry in the background. Each variation adds a subtle lift, a bright note that plays against the richness without stealing the spotlight.

INGREDIENTS
10 oz (285g) dark chocolate (about 1-3/4 cups broken and ground)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp vanilla
Optional: Saltwest Handcrafted Sea Salt For Finishing

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl add eggs, sugar and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thick and creamy. You can use a stand or electric mixture to do this. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, then add to egg/mixture followed immediately by olive oil. Blend with a rubber spatula. Gently sprinkle flour a little at a time folding into mixture until combined. Line a medium round or square baking pan with parchment paper and pour mixture making an even layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until a crust is developed while brownies are still a tiny bit wobbly. Remove from oven and rest. If you bake for too long, your brownies will be dry.  

BERRY VARIATIONS

Raspberry Dark Balsamic Brownies
Add 3 tablespoons Raspberry Dark Balsamic to the batter along with the olive oil. Finish with a few fresh raspberries scattered over cooled brownies or a light drizzle of Raspberry balsamic before serving.

Strawberry Dark Balsamic Brownies
Add 3 tablespoons Strawberry Dark Balsamic to the batter along with the olive oil. Top cooled brownies with sliced fresh strawberries or spoon a little macerated fruit over for a lush finish.

Blueberry Dark Balsamic Brownies
Add 3 tablespoons Blueberry Dark Balsamic to the batter along with the olive oil. Garnish cooled brownies with a handful of fresh blueberries or swipe on a spoonful of blueberry preserves.