Today marks the two month countdown for my book release. Yay! Now that we’re FINALLY at the two month mark {thanks for being patient}, I’m going to start to share peeks of the interior of the book. First I’ll show recipes and crafts and as we’re closer to pub date I’ll share little peeks of the gorgeous spreads. Today I’m starting with a recipe.
With the Academy Awards only two days away, I thought it would be a great time to share a peek of the Movie Night chapter of my book {so now you know about one of the chapters!}. In this chapter, I share red carpet ready desserts for a fun movie night. One of those desserts is my Walk of Fame Brownies, a rich and fudgy chocolate brownie that is glammed up with gold luster dust. Hmmm…these would have been perfect for Jennifer Aniston this week. Don’t wait for the most glamorous night of the year to make these. Feel free to whip them up for your kid’s slumber party with their friends or date night with your loved one. These brownies will be the star dessert for any occasion! I serve them on top of licorice wheels, which resemble old fashioned film reels. Scroll down for the delicious recipe and some how-to pics.
PS – If you haven’t bought Sweet Designs, buy it here! It’s on sale!
For the Brownies 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup Dutch cocoa 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 8 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped 4 large eggs 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting 12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, melted (I love Callebaut, Valrhona, and Ghirardelli) Gold luster dust, I get this here Vanilla extract Small paintbrush
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 325F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting paper drape slightly over the short edges. Spray parchment paper with nonstick pan spray. Sift flour and cocoa in a bowl; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently; set aside to cool. Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl until combined and smooth. Whisk in chocolate mixture until combined. Whisk in flour mixture until just combined.
3. Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake until just set and a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and let them sit overnight.
4. Use a sharp knife (with this Star_Template) or a star cookie cutter dipped into hot water and wiped off. If you are using a cutter, after lifting out the brownie with it, gently stretch the cutter open to help release the star. Set stars on a wire rack.
5. Working with one brownie at a time, dip the top of each star into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Set them on the site rack and chill in the refrigerator, about 30 minutes.
6. Place 1/2 teaspoon of gold luster dust in a small bowl or cup. Stir in a few drops of the vanilla extract to create a paint like consistency. With a small, clean paintbrush, brush a layer of gold luster onto the top of each brownie. Let dry.
7. Line a square tray with licorice wheels, arrange the glittering stars on top, and set on the table.
Enjoy the Oscars, everyone!
