LOADED BROWNIES RECIPE

BROWNIE BOTTOM LAYER:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 sticks(3/4 cup) butter
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

CARAMEL LAYER:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
1/4 heavy cream, scalded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

TOPPINGS:
1 cup coarsely chopped peanuts or macadamia nuts
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

1.
1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan.

2.
Make the brownie bottom layer first: In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.

3.
In a double boiler, melt the unsweetened chocolate and the semisweet chocolate with the butter.
Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the
brown sugar and eggs until lightened and pale in color. Beat in the cooled chocolate mixture
and the vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but still moist and a bit fudgy. Cool
in the pan on a wire rack.

4.
Prepare the caramel layer next: In a small heavy saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over
low heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then let boil without
stirring until the syrup turns a deep amber. While the syrup is boiling, brush down the
sides of the pan from time to time with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from
forming. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the hot cream. Continue stirring,
over low heat if necessary, until all of the caramel is dissolved into the cream. Stir
in the butter until smooth. Set the caramel aside until it has cooled
slightly but is still spreadable.

5.
Preheat the over again to 325 ° F. Spread the caramel over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle
the toppings, peanuts or macadamia nuts, semisweet chips, and milk chocolate chips
over the caramel layer and place the brownies in the oven for 5 minutes to set
the toppings. You do not want to let the toppings melt completely,
just stick together a little.

6.
Set on a wire rack to cool, then can cut into squares.