The perfect indulgence when you need it!

Published 11:01 pm Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Every once in a while, I do get a recipe I don’t want to mess with and change up. It’s rare, but it does happen, and I think there’s not much room for improvement with this one. I guess you could add nuts if you want to overdo it, but I think that’s going a bit too far. I like this just the way it is.

So, what is it? Sinful, a brownie full of Oreos, chocolate chips and — as if you needed anything else to bring out the flavor of the chocolate — coffee is also added.

If you are worried about calories, caffeine, sugar or fat, don’t even attempt to make these because they are full of all the above. If you just don’t care and you need that chocolate fix, go ahead and overindulge yourself with these all you want with a big glass of ice-cold milk. Talk bout comfort food, makes you happy just thinking about it.

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Outrageous Oreo Crunch Brownies

4 sticks butter (2 cups)

1 pound semisweet chocolate chips

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

6 eggs

3 tablespoons instant coffee granules

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups sugar

1 cup plus 1/4 cup flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups chopped Oreo cookies (50 cookies)

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Butter and flour or use cake release in an 11 1/2” x 17 1/4” x 1” baking pan.

In a heatproof medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, heat butter, chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar. Blend chocolate mixture into egg mixture; cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, sift together one cup flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture. In a small bowl, stir in Oreos and remaining 1/4 cup flour. Add Oreo mixture to chocolate mixture.

Pour batter into baking pan and smooth top with a rubber spatula.

Bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 3 inches from center comes out clean; do not over bake. Allow to cool. Refrigerate, tightly wrapped, until cold; cut into squares.

Serve it up with a big ol’ scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a good movie, the perfect night in!

Warning: Do not give these to the kids at any time you want them to be quiet or before bedtime or nap time.

Let’s just say “wired” is not even the word for it. Or, as grandparents do, this is the perfect thing to feed the kids right before mommy and daddy pick them up and bring them home. Ha ha! Thanks grandparents; we love you, too.

Until next time, have fun in the kitchen, experiment, and indulge your cravings!

Laura Clements is a contributing food columnist for The Demopolis Times.