Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans




If you have forgotten, this Saturday is the most exciting two minutes in sports.  Fans galore descend upon the Bluegrass region to watch three-year old thoroughbred horses compete in the Kentucky Derby.

Years and years ago I was lucky enough to be an infield spectator at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack.  In all honesty you can't really see the race from the infield and it's hardly millionaire's row, but it is the place to party like a rock star if you so choose. 

While celebrities and proper Southern women view the race from their box seats wearing elaborate hats and sipping their Mint Juleps, the infield crowd is partying on with reckless abandon.  The hats are all homemade and have been some of the most creative head gear I have ever seen.  I wish I could find those pictures.

Many years ago I threw a Derby Day party of my own with the party requisite to come wearing an elaborate hat. It was a smashing success.  We had everything from designer to hand-crafted and everyone couldn't wait to see what everyone else was wearing.  Of course we had traditional Kentucky Derby Day fare, Mint Juleps and Burgoo, a type of stew.  However, I wish I had known about these Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans, they would have been a fantastic addition to the party.

I came across these the other day on the web and knew immediately I had to try them out.  They have such a unique flavor and would be the highlight of any Derby Day celebration.  Luscious would probably be the best way to describe them.  The hint of mint and bourbon create a very interesting and addicting depth of flavor.  I have never tasted anything like it. 

If you are going to watch the race this weekend, make sure you have these ready for the after party.

The top horse contenders this year, I Want Revenge, Pioneer of the Nile and Friesan Fire have all been showing well.  However, the potential sleeper for the race is Desert Party.  If you love rooting for the underdog, General Quarters should be your pick.

So make your brownies and pick your top three winners...losers have to clean the brownie pan! 




Here's what you will need for the brownies:  Butter, dark chocolate, eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, table salt, peppermint extract and bourbon.




In a medium saucepan, warm 1 cup butter and 4 ounces good quality dark chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth.  Remove from heat to cool slightly.




In a large bowl beat 4 eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add the cooled chocolate mixture, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1-1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and 2 Tablespoons bourbon and stir until fully incorporated.  I thought this was a strange order in which to add ingredients but it worked well.




Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan (I just line my pan with parchment paper).  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.




Cracks in cheesecake are bad.  Brownie crack is very, very good.  Cool completely before cutting, if you can wait.




While the brownies are baking and cooling, make your candied pecans.  You will need, butter, brown sugar and pecans.




Melt one Tablespoon butter over low heat.  Add 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, stirring until combined.  Add 1/3 cup pecan halves, cooking over low heat until mixture begins to darken; about 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat for about 15 minutes until pecans cool and sugar hardens.  Break the pecans into pieces for garnish.




For an authentic Mint Julep presentation, splash each serving plate with some bourbon and place a brownie slice right on top.  Of course this step is optional but it really tastes good.




Garnish each slice with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans and a sprig of mint.




I hope your horse comes in.  My pick to win is Friesan Fire.

Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans
Adapted from My Own Sweet Thyme

For brownies:
1 cup butter
4 ounces dark chocolate, broken into pieces
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 Tablespoons bourbon

In a medium saucepan, warm butter and chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth.  Remove from heat to cool slightly.

In a large bowl beat eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Add the cooled chocolate mixture, sugar, flour, salt, peppermint extract and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated.  I thought this was a strange order in which to add ingredients but it worked well.

Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan (I just line my pan with parchment paper).  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Cool completely before cutting, if you can wait.

While the brownies are baking and cooling, make your candied pecans.

Candied Pecans

1 Tablespoon butter
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup pecan halves

Melt butter over low heat.  Add brown sugar, stirring until combined.  Add pecan halves, cooking over low heat until mixture begins to darken; about 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat for about 15 minutes until pecans cool and sugar hardens.  Break the pecans into pieces for garnish.

For an authentic Mint Julep presentation, splash each serving plate with some bourbon and place a brownie slice right on top.  Of course this step is optional but it really tastes good.  Garnish each slice with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans and a sprig of mint.

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Posted by Noble Pig at Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:14 PM
Categories: .Desserts
 
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