Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies


This recipe was one of Martha Stewart's Cookie of the Day emails.  I'm always on the lookout for something a little different, and seasonal recipes are always fun to try.  Brownies are always a hit here at our house, and pumpkin, well, it's that time of year! 
How can you go wrong with anything pumpkin?!




So, I gathered up the ingredients, and went to work.


As you can see, all the normal ingredients for preparing a yummy pan of brownies, with the addition of the pumpkin.  But look . . . up there . . . there's also a few slightly different additions then are normally found in a brownie recipe.  Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.  I have seen spicy flavors pared with chocolate in other recipes, but I've never experienced it.  
I was anxious to try!


First things first.  
Melt the chocolate {I mixed semi-sweet with unsweetened} and the 
butter together in a double boiler on the stove.


 Now, can you think of anything more lovely? 
 Mmmmm . . . glossy, rich, buttery melted chocolate . . .


Combining the eggs, sugar, vanilla.


It works into quite a thick, sticky batter.


At this point, you divide that batter up there into two bowls.  Add the melted chocolate to one, and the pumpkin along with remaining ingredients in another.


Then you spread half the chocolate batter in a pan, followed by half the pumpkin batter, repeating to create four layers of batter. 


Well, I was lazy and only did two layers.  Chocolate on the bottom, pumpkin on top.  I tried to swirl it, but with only the two layers I didn't really get swirl of combined batters.  Also, the recipe called for the brownies to be baked in a 9 inch square pan, but many of the comments I read about the recipe said the batter was too rich and thick for that size and the brownies weren't baking thoroughly.  Several commenters suggested a larger pan.  I used a 9x12 and it worked perfectly.


As you can see, I didn't quite get the swirliness like in Martha's brownies below.  Oh, and I didn't add the nuts.  The brownies were a success!  That very faint hint of spiciness paired well with the pumpkin flavor in these brownies.  I think if I would have taken the time to layer the batter as suggested, there would be a better mixture of flavors when bitting into the brownie.  With just the layer of pumpkin on top, it's more divided flavor/texture when you bite into the brownie, if that makes any sense.  I would definitely make these again. 
If you'd like the recipe, click here to go to Martha's site to print it out.


I can't go without mentioning my super-cute witchy cake stand.  Isn't it adorable!  It was a hostess gift one year from my good friend and bestest next-door neighbor in the world, Mary.




Thanks for visiting! 
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8 comments:

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Would love to own a cake plate like that one! Very cute. And the brownies look very good. I love how orange and brown look together and thanks for giving them a try. I'll have to try them too.

Kerin said...

Those brownies are naughty!
I just might have to whip up a batch for tonight :)

marie said...

Oh my goodness ~ I think I need these!

Melissa Miller said...

Carla I saw you over at Liz's and had to see who had the Cosmo. It's just too cute! Love your cute blog sweet friend.

Pumpkin and chocolate are two of my favorite things in life. Yum! I will be trying them for sure. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

Stop by my blog anytime!
Warmly, ~Melissa :)

Debbiedoos said...

I bet they taste even better than Martha's! Great recipe and great photos too, made me want to reach through the screen.

Sheets on the line, love in my heart. said...

first time i've been to your blog and i am in love with this girl!!!!
i am making the brownie tomorrow!
i am joining!!
blessings
rebecca

Barbara F. said...

Hi Carla, thanks for stopping by my "party". These brownies look delish, I love chocolate and I love pumpkin so together that is a great match. I also love the cute cake stand. Happy Halloween! xo

Ann said...

My mouth is watering. Those brownies look delicious and yours are just as pretty as Martha's in their own way. I'm also quite envious of that adorable cake stand.

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