Storm “Nemo” (which might I say could be the lamest name for “the fieriest blizzard since 1978”) has been the perfect excuse to cook up “a storm” in very kitchen that I learned so much about food and my love for making it- with my favorite cook, Palmer. There’s nothing better than a warm gooey brownie, especially on a cold day. Pair that with the sweetness of creamy caramel and savory sea salt and you’ve literally got the best combination on Earth. Then cut them into heart shaped, bite sized, pieces of perfection and you’ll have everyone asking to be your Valentine this year. In case you were wondering, this winter storm is not named after the fish Nemo, because according to this report... “that would be illegal.”Even our dog Tucker is pissed off by the storm. We let him out and he turned right back around to give us a look like “WTF it’s freaking cold out here, let me back in and give me some caramel brownies.” 

My thoughts exactly, Tucker. While these brownies take a bit longer to make than your typical brownies, they are beyond worth it.

I served them with dairy free coconut milk ice cream but these would be great with real ice cream, whipped cream or a glass of milk.

Palmer finally had to put the remaining brownies in the freezer so we wouldn’t keep picking at them.

Salted Caramel Brownies…Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Caramel

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or salted, but then ease up on the sea salt)
• Heaped 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon table salt, more to taste)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Brownie

• 3 ounces (85 grams) unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 stick unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Heaped 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt or 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. For the caramel: Place a piece of parchment paper over a medium size plate and coat with cooking spray.
2. In a medium, dry saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the sugar; this will take about 5 minutes, stirring if necessary to break up large chunks. It should be a nice copper color by the time its fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until fully incorporated. Stir in cream and salt and return saucepan to the stove over medium-high heat. Cook bubbling caramel for a few minutes more, until it is a shade darker.
4. Pour out onto parchment-covered plate and transfer plate to your freezer. Freeze until solidified, which can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. (Make sure you are using a plate that can withstand the temperature change- if you are not sure about your dish wear, you can always use a Pyrex dish.)
5. While the caramel is cooling, heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment, extending it up two sides. Butter the parchment or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray.
6. In a double boiler or medium heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until only a couple unmelted bits remain. Off the heat, stir until smooth and fully melted. (This can also be done in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.)
7. Whisk in sugar, then eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and salt. Stir in flour with a spoon or flexible spatula.
8. Once caramel is firm, remove from the freezer and cut into 1-inch squares and gently fold all but a few pieces of caramel into brownie mixture.
9. Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Place remaining caramel squares on top.
10. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares or using a cookie cutter, cut into desired shape.

Original recipe from Smitten Kitchen.