3646. CHOCOLATE CASHEW-BACON BRITTLE BROWNIES

makes 30 brownies


Cashew-bacon brittle

1¹∕³ cups sugar

¼ cup light corn syrup

2½ tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon, plus 1∕8 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1½ cups cashews

1½ cups cooked bacon, finely crumbled



Brownies

28 tablespoons (3½ sticks) butter, plus more for greasing

6 oz. quality dark chocolate, chopped

1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

6 eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla

12 tablespoons (6 oz.) cream cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

Generously butter a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. 
For the brittle, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and 1 cup water in a heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat until the mixture becomes amber in color, then whisk in the baking soda and salt. Use caution, as the caramel will bubble.
 Whisk in the cashews and bacon.
 Using a spoon coated in butter or a nonstick spatula, spread the caramel onto the prepared cookie sheet. 
Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325 degrees.
 Spray a 18-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. 
Using a double boiler, melt the butter and chocolate together.
 Place the melted butter and chocolate mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. With the whisk attachment and on the lowest setting, whisk the cocoa into the mixture.
 With the mixer on medium, add the sugar to the bowl in a steady stream.
 Add the eggs 1 at a time, followed by the vanilla. 
Add the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon at a time, until blended smooth. 
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a spatula, fold in the flour until completely combined. 
Evenly spread the batter onto the pan and bake for 10 minutes, or until the top of the brownies is slightly set. 
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the brittle.
 Place the brownies back in the oven and bake another 5 to 7 minutes, until the brittle is slightly melted into the brownie.
 Let cool before serving. 


bacon recipe source: Sauce Magazine (@SAUCEmag), 1820 Chouteau Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63103, November 2013