The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! I often forget how much I enjoy baking, and the beautiful, delicious results. February 14th is approaching and I used it as an excuse to experiment. This is an easy recipe for a sweet and chocolatey homemade gift. These heavenly squares are gluten-free, and the cornstarch-cocoa powder combination replaces the flour. The toasted chopped walnuts elevate these brownies to outstanding, but nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt, which balances the sugar and intensifies the deep chocolate flavor. Enjoy Valentine’s Day!

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped  (I use Guittard)
• Pinch of fine sea salt or kosher salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Valrhona or Ghirardelli)
• 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped (optional)

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover a 8×8 inch square baking pan with two pieces of foil so that it comes up both sides of the pan. Grease with butter or coat lightly with cooking spray. Using a small saucepan and metal or glass bowl, create a double-boiler by filling the saucepan with about 2-3 inches of water. Place the bowl over the saucepan (the water shouldn’t touch the bottom of the bowl) and melt the butter and chocolate over a low flame. Add the salt and cocoa nibs. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the sugar and the eggs, one at a time. Stir until smooth.

Sift together the corn starch and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir well to combine. With a hand mixer, beat the batter until it’s smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Blend for a least 1-2 minutes, this adds volume to the batter. Add the toasted walnuts, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared greased pan.

Bake the brownies for 20-30 minutes or until the center is just set. Don’t over bake them, this is an ooey-gooey brownie. Let the brownies cool in the pan before removing and slicing. They are good at room temperature for 4 days and can be frozen for up to a month. Makes one dozen brownies.

Inspiration: David Leibovitz