What Does What?: Brownie Edition

In my last post, I gave y'all a brownie recipe that was on the cakier side. Brownies are one of those desserts that can go in so many directions. Whether you like cakier brownies, or fudgier ones, they all have similar to the same ingredients. It really depends on the quantities of each ingredient. In this post, I will be telling y'all what ingredient do what, and how that will effect the end product of your brownie.

The ingredients explained are according to the Mother's Day Brownie recipe.

1. Chocolate

I used semisweet and milk chocolate.

Semisweet chocolate is basically dark chocolate. In the recipe, you can use either 60% cacao or 70% cacao. The higher the percent is, the more bitter it is. I used 60% cacao in bar form to get a not so bitter brownie. For milk chocolate, I used milk chocolate chips. Milk chocolate is super sweet, and is preferably best in my family's recipes. For more information about different types of chocolate, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Chocolate Edition"!

2. Cocoa Powder

I used dutch process cocoa powder.

I used this type of cocoa powder for two main reasons:

1. The dark, rich color. Perfect for that classic brownie shade.

2. The intense chocolate flavor.

Cocoa powder on its own, is very bitter, since its just ground cacao nibs. Adding sugar and salt will sweeten and compliment the cocoa powder nicely..... and yes, I said salt. For more information about cocoa powder, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Cocoa Powder Edition"!

3. Espresso Powder

This is an unusual ingredient to see in a brownie recipe. Well, it just compliments the chocolate nicely. Before baking, if you sneak a little bite of batter, the espresso flavor will be very strong. When baked, the espresso flavor will fade away, but will still be a pleasant companion for the chocolate!

4. Salted Butter

I used salted butter because it prevents me from adding another ingredient (salt:)! It also has an amazing flavor... great for baking! For more information about butter, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Fat Edition-BUTTER"!

5. Granulated Sugar

I used granulated sugar.... well for its sweetness of course! For more information about different types of sugar, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Sugar Edition"!

6. Brown Sugar

I used brown sugar for a deep, complex flavor in the brownies. When baked, the brownies will have no taste of brown sugar. For more information about different types of sugar, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Sugar Edition"!

7. Vanilla Extract

I used vanilla extract to bring out the chocolate flavor and enhance other flavors in the brownie. The brownies will not have a strong vanilla taste in the end. For more information about how extracts work, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Extract Edition"!

8. Eggs

I used 6 whole eggs and 2 yolks because eggs create structure in these brownies. They add moisture to the brownies too! The extra egg yolks add a creaminess to the mix. For more information regarding eggs, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Egg Edition"!

9. AP (All Purpose) Flour

I used AP flour to keep the brownie together. Like eggs, the flour gives the brownies structure. The protein content is average for AP flour. Just make sure you don't mix too much, or the gluten will form! There are so many different types of flours, each with different protein content. For more information about this, stay tuned for a "What Does What?: Flour Edition"!

That was all of the ingredients! As you can tell, a lot of them compliment the chocolate. Also, you probably saw a lot of stay tuned for different "What Does What?". I will start a new series about explain how the most common ingredients work, how to use them, and more fun tips and tricks for bringing out their full baking benefits!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

I will also start putting fun little riddles and jokes at the end of each blog! Comment down below if you know the answers! I will reveal the answers in the blog after this one.

This week's riddles:

1. I come from a mine and get surrounded by wood always. Everyone uses me. What am I?

2. It belongs to you, but other people use it more than you do. What is it?

Comment if you know the answers!