Salt and Pepper Caramel Brownies
 
 
Adapted from The New Sugar and Spice by Samantha Seneviratne.
Author:
Serves: 16 small brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
  • 1 stick (115g) butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup (115g) plain flour
  • ¾ cup (70g) cocoa powder
  • 2½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp baking powder
Caramel:
  • 2 tbsp water
  • ⅔ cup (135g) caster sugar
  • ⅓ cup (85ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. To make the brownies, preheat the oven to 160C/325 and line an 8inch (20cm) square tin with baking paper.
  2. Place the butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl and beat until combined. Then add in the eggs, vanilla and salt and beat again until combined.
  3. Sift in the flour and cocoa, then add the pepper and baking powder, and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Scrape into the tin, smooth out the top and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until slightly risen, and a skewer comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. To make the caramel, place the water into a large, heavy based saucepan, then pour the sugar into the centre of the pan, making sure the sugar is evenly moistened. Place over a medium heat and cook for about 5-8 minutes. The sugar will melt, boil, and then begin to turn a golden amber colour.
  5. When the sugar is amber, remove from the heat, and carefully add the cream and butter (it will steam and bubble up a lot). Stir until everything is melted, then place back on the heat and cook for a few minutes or until it thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla, and then set aside for a few minutes to cool slightly.
  6. When the caramel is no longer boiling hot, but oozy and warm, pour over the brownies and spread evenly. Scatter over the sea salt, and then refrigerate until set.
  7. To serve, cut into small squares.
Recipe by The Sugar Hit at http://www.thesugarhit.com/dev/2015/11/salt-and-pepper-caramel-brownies.html