Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies

One.

Pound.

Of.

Chocolate.

That is all.

But really, these are some of the most delicious brownies I have ever had. They are chocolatey, rich, chocolatey, moist, and...chocolatey.

Note from Jen: Giuliana and I made these over the summer and they are definitely the most delicious brownies we have ever eaten...in fact, I think they only lasted one evening.

Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies
Adapted from The Pastry Affair


1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

2 1/2 cups (1 lb) dark chocolate, chopped in pieces
1/2 cup salted butter
4 eggs (I have yet to find a good egg substitute for brownies)
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 450̊̊F.

2. In a small roasting pan, combine the fresh cherries and 1 tablespoon sugar. Roast for 10 minutes, or until the cherries start releasing juices. Remove cherries from baking pan and place in the refrigerator to cool down.

3. Lower oven temperature to 350̊̊F. Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish. 

4. In a double boiler, melt together the dark chocolate and butter until smooth. Remove from heat. (It is okay if you do not have a double boiler - I do not. I use two different sized pots and fill the larger one with water. The amount of water you put in with depend on the sizes of your pots...Be careful not to fill them too much or they will overflow when you are mixing the butter and chocolate!)

Don't do this.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended. Add the melted chocolate and mix until incorporated. Fold in the flour and baking powder. Stir in the cooled, roasted cherries. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until brownies do not jiggle in the center when the pan is shaken (even when baked completely, a toothpick may not come out clean). Do not overbake! These brownies are best when slightly under-baked. (Jen and I have found that these take nearly 40 minutes to bake - on three different ovens. Be sure to check on it if you are giving it extra time.)

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

I do recommend enjoying them with a glass of wine.