Ferrero Rocher Brownies!

We're only just few weeks away from Christmas and I couldn't be any happier! 
Christmas has cast its magical spells all over Madrid. The lights, the special Christmas markets, the masses of crowds shopping and the many little things here and there make this time of the year truly wonderful and my favorite.

Ferrero Rocher chocolates are delicious any time of the year, however, they are definitely more popular during Christmas as they make a really nice and tasty gifts. In preparation for Christmas I bought some boxes and I have to say they do make a fancy addition to the dining room table! As I love mixing and experimenting, I decided to create a special holidays brownies, a posher version if you want, using the delicious Ferrero Rocher chocolate balls. Besides being so popular and delicious brownies are extremely versatile and everyone seems to have a special or favorite recipe. With one star ingredient, this would be my special take on brownies for the holidays. They are definitely more indulgent but still easy to make and bake and above all a joy to share with your loved ones during this season of sharing.  

So let's get started. For 9 generous servings you need:

• 150 g 72% dark chocolate
• 120 g unsalted butter
• 100 g white sugar and 50 g dark brown sugar
• 50 g flour
• 2 eggs
• 10 g cocoa powder
• dash of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 30 g praliné paste

Line a 18 x 18 cm pan with parchment paper. Sift the flour and the cocoa powder and add the salt.

In a double boiler and over a gentle flame, melt the chocolate and butter. Add the instant coffee and the praliné to the melted chocolate and butter mix and combine well until it dissolves. Coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate, but don't add too much as its powerful taste can mask all other flavors!

When the chocolate mixture has cooled, add the sugar followed by the eggs and the vanilla. Mix until everything is combined well. Now add the sifted dry ingredients, and mix well.

Pour the batter into the pan. Add the Ferrero Rocher but don´t put too much. Just make sure each piece of brownies will have one in the middle,  

Bake for about 25 to 30 min in a preheated oven (180C).

Try my Ferrero Rocher brownies for a jazzed up classic suitable for the holiday season. Enjoy!