Tri – level brownies

After three consecutive baking disasters, I finally came up with a winner. These tri-level brownies are exactly what the name says they are — brownies with three distinct layers.

The crust is made of oatmeal, flour, sugar and butter. The middle layer is a fudgy cookie, achieved by underbaking. The top layer consists of coarsely chopped walnuts over which a simple chocolate frosting is poured.

Adapted from a recipe from my sister-in-law — forgot if it’s Ava or Susan.

For the crust

1 c. of oats (I used rolled oats; you can use instant)
1/2 c. of all-purpose flour
1/2 c. of muscovado (or any dark brown) sugar, firmly-packed
1/4 tsp. of baking soda
1/3 c. of butter, softened

Mix together all the ingredients. Press down firmly onto the bottom of a 11″ x 7″ x 1-1/2″ baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350^oF oven for 10 minutes. Cool.

For the middle layer

2/3 c. of all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. of baking soda
1/8 tsp. of salt
1/2 c. of white sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. of vanilla essence
1/4 c. of milk
1 oz. of good-quality bittersweet chocolate (I used Ghirardelli)
1/4 c. of butter

Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. Cool.

Stir together the flour, baking soda and salt.

Stir the sugar into the melted chocolate and butter. Add the egg and vanilla essence. Stir just until combined. Add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the chocolate mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Spread the batter over the cooled crust and bake in a preheated 350^oF oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overbake. The top should be moist so that a finger print is left when touched. Cool.

For the top layer

1/2 c. of coarsely chopped walnuts
3/4 c. of powdered sugar
2 tbsps. of butter
1 oz. of bittersweet chocolate
about 2 tbsps. of very hot water

Sift the powdered sugar.

In a double boiler, melt together the butter and chocolate. Stir in the powdered sugar. Add hot water, little by little, until just pourable.

Scatter the chopped walnuts on top of the cooked sheet of brownies. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over nuts. If some parts of the surface are not covered with the chocolate mixture, tilt the pan in different directions. The chocolate mixture is still liquid enough at this point. After a few minutes, it will set so work fast.

Cover the baking pan with cling wrap. Chill the brownies for several hours. When firm, cut into squares to serve.

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