Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Chocolate and Peanut Butter are one of those combinations that are just like old friends. Old friends who like to hang out, grab a beer and sit and chat on the front porch. Old friends that don't have to say much to get across just how much the care about each other. You know what I mean... don't you?

Well these old friends started out with humble beginnings.

Some butter, two kinds of chocolate heated together..then some mingling...and then the magic happened!

Their friendship blossomed and swirled and screamed.... "time for some fun."Just like old friends these are so darn good!!!

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

From Martha Stewart's Cookies

Made about 16 to 18 small size Brownies

These bad boys are rich! I did not end up even using all of the peanut butter filling. If you are daring I say go for it! I used Scharffen Berger chocolate....( I love you Scharffen Berger.. I really do!)

The Brownie Batter

1/2 cup ( 1 stick unsalted butter) cut into small pieces, and some butter for the pan 

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped 

4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 

2/3 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon course salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

The Peanut butter filling

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick of unsalted butter), melted

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

1/4 teaspoon course salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8 inch square pan with butterd parchment. Leaving a bit of an over hang

To make brownie batter put butter and chocolates in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water; stir until melted. Let the mixture cool a bit. While cooling mix the flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl. Once the mixture has slightly cooled add the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla. Then add the flour mixture; stir until well combined.

To make the peanut butter filling. Stir together the melted butter, confectioners sugar, peanut butter, salt and vanilla in the bowl and mix until smooth... (and tasty.)

Pour one third of the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. A dollops of the peanut butter filling on top of the batter. Then drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top of the peanut butter dollops and then spread gently to fill the pan. Add remaining peanut butter filling ( in dollops) on top. Gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie filling using a butter knife. Run the knife through the layers to swirl.

Bake until a cake tester comes out with some crumbs but not wet. About 40 to 45 min. (Mine took about 40 minutes) Let cool in pan for about 15 to 20 min. Lift out and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy and think about all the good friends in your life.

Time to get dirty!!!