Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25-30 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies with this delightful recipe. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries, rich cocoa, and crunchy almonds creates a truly irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The origins of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies are a bit mysterious, but one thing is for sure - they have become a beloved dessert for chocolate lovers everywhere. The addition of maraschino cherries adds a unique twist to the classic brownie recipe, making it a standout treat that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
0.33 cup of butter or margarine, softened
0.75 cup of sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
1 tsp of almond extract OR 2 tbsp of kirsch (cherry brandy)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.67 cup of all-purpose flour
0.33 cup of HERSHEY'S cocoa
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of baking powder
0.33 cup of chopped slivered almonds
Additional maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
Lightly press the cherries between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and eggs until creamy.
Mix in the corn syrup, almond extract, and vanilla until well blended.
Stir together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder; add to the butter mixture, mixing until well blended.
Stir in the cherries and almonds; pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frost, if desired.
Cut into squares.
Garnish with additional cherries, if desired.
Makes about 16 brownies.

Variations

Swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the brownies for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the brownies for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

- Lightly pressing the cherries between paper towels will help remove any additional moisture.

- For a fudgier brownie, slightly underbake the brownies and allow them to cool completely before cutting.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly grease and flour the baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.

- Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the brownies - it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached when they are ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh or frozen cherries instead.

- Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies are a good source of iron and calcium, thanks to the cocoa and almonds in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and eggs. Please be mindful of any allergies when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies are a delicious treat that is relatively moderate in calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, with the addition of sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy almonds. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for chocolate lovers everywhere, with its rich flavor and fudgy texture. Enjoy these brownies on their own or with your favorite toppings for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known in our small town for her incredible baking skills. As we sat at her kitchen table sipping tea, she suddenly pulled out a weathered old cookbook from her shelf and began flipping through the pages.

"I have something special to show you," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I learned this recipe many years ago from a dear friend of mine. It's a family secret, but I trust you with it."

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins carefully read through the ingredients and instructions for the Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies. The combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and a hint of citrus sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

After jotting down the recipe in my own notebook, I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to keep the secret safe. As I left her house that day, I couldn't stop thinking about those tantalizing brownies.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work. The kitchen was soon filled with the heavenly aroma of melting chocolate and sweet cherries. As I carefully followed each step of the recipe, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Finally, the brownies were ready to come out of the oven. I watched eagerly as they rose and turned a beautiful golden brown. The scent that wafted through the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. I couldn't resist cutting into the warm brownies and taking a bite.

The first taste was pure bliss. The rich chocolate melted in my mouth, while the tart cherries added a burst of flavor. The citrus zest lent a refreshing brightness that was simply irresistible. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made these Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies countless times. They have become a family favorite, and whenever I bring them to gatherings or potlucks, they are always met with rave reviews. People often ask me for the recipe, but I always keep it close to my heart, just like Mrs. Jenkins did.

I have since passed on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, ensuring that this cherished family secret will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Every time I make these brownies, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen and the sense of wonder and joy that her recipe brought into my life.

As I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but smile. The power of a simple recipe to bring people together, to evoke memories and emotions, is truly magical. And I am grateful for the day that Mrs. Jenkins shared her secret with me, sparking a lifelong love affair with Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies.