Cooking Therapy

As a chocolate fan, I adore brownies. There is no way you could not. They are full of chocolate flavor and can be made a variety of ways: chewy, gooey, melty, etc. For this recipe, I wanted to use one of my favorite fruit preserves, and a fruit that goes well with chocolate, cherries. I soaked the cherry preserves with rum so that the flavor gets intensified. The end result is a block of brownies, that are soft, chewy, and filled with chocolate flavor. They are quick and easy to make, and make a great treat or quick gift. Try yours today!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Cooling time: 45 min to 1 hour

Serves: 12 pieces

Ingredients:

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup quality 100% dark cocoa powder

4 oz of quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

5 tbsps of butter, melted

1 cup of sugar

3 large eggs

½ cup of cherry preserves

2 shots of spiced rum

¼ teaspoon of sea salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder

2 capfuls of vanilla extract

Instructions:

• First, combine the rum and the preserves and let them sit while you prepare the brownies. This will allow the cherries to absorb the rum. Then preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9×9 pan, covering it with a piece of buttered, parchment paper
• In a large bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, sea salt, baking powder, and whisk together. Set aside
• Melt the chocolate pieces either in the microwave or on the stovetop, being careful not to burn them
• In a separate, large bowl, add the eggs, vanilla extract, melted chocolate, melted butter, pouring in about 2 tablespoons of the rum-jam liquid. Whisk together until it is combined

• Slowly pour the flour mixture into the egg mixture and whisk together until a chocolatey batter forms
• Pour the batter into the pan. Top the batter with the cherries and any extra juices. You can use the back of a spoon or a knife to blend the jam with the batter

• Place in the oven and bake until it has risen, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Remove from the pan and place in the wire rack to cool
• Cut into 12 pieces
• Serve and enjoy!