Frankly, things went from sucky to suckier really fast over the past couple of days. At the same time a very close family member discovered she has cancer, a friendship that meant a lot to me dissolved unexpectedly. Both situations are extremely personal to me and this is not the space to share them, but you must know the gist of it because if my posts are less personal for a while, it’s me feeling protective of my heart.
On that note, some believe that chocolate helps a broken heart and a worrying mind… so I have to share my favorite brownie recipe. They are rich, chewy, and full of chocolately goodness that compliments the swirls of caramel and sea salt on top. And though they are a bit on the pricey side if you use high quality chocolate (do use high quality chocolate if you make these), they are a special treat and trust me when I tell you, it makes all the difference. They are the perfect brownie, in my opinion, and whenever I serve them they are gone within minutes. Hope you enjoy!
Caramel Sea Salt Brownies
- 8 ounces (2 large) 60-70% cacao bittersweet chocolate (I use Ghirardelli baking bars)
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1/4 cup prepared caramel (make your own, or use King’s Cupboard from Whole Foods)
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch rectangular pan (I use metal).
In a large saucepan over the lowest heat, melt butter with chopped chocolate, stirring gently until melted and incorporated.
Remove from heat and add sugar, mixing until dissolved.
Add pinch of salt and stir. Add eggs, stirring well after each one, then vanilla. Last, add flour and stir well until just blended.
Pour the batter into the greased pan. Heat 1/4 cup caramel until it is easy to pour (only 20 seconds at the most in the microwave). Drizzle all over the top of the brownie batter, then, with a butter knife, swirl a few times back and forth across the top of the batter. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before sprinkling the coarse sea salt (or kosher salt) on top. If you are feeling sorry for yourself, keep the whole batch. It might help.
I’m so sorry you’re having a tough time right now, Lauren. I hope your relative is able to fight that cancer off & make a complete recovery. Maybe you should send her some of these delicious brownies!
Me too, Amy. She means the world to me and I wish I could fight right there beside her! Thank you for that.
Lauren, so sorry to hear that. Reading your blog cheers me up so I hope you find something to make you happy or at least help you a little through these tough days, too. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I hope your relative gets the best treatment possible and you get the chance to either make up with your friend or make peace with the end of this friendship, whatever feels best for you.
2013 has turned into the worst year for illness, death and general chaos. I remarked earlier this year to some friends “what do we have to do? Slaughter a lamb and smear it on our doors?” If its any consolation, cancer is no longer the dreaded sentence it oncewas and support and love go a long way in someone’s fight and recovery. While I’m sure that doesn’t dissipate the fear, worry and general heartbreak of the news, ease your stress by remembering the love you give her is your greatest gift and most nurturing hand. Family is so important!
I can also relate to the loss of a dear friend that took me by surprise earlier this year. I must admit i was unmoored by it. Not only because its not what I wanted but because i could hardly believe i am in my mid thirties and I was suffering through something that seems so unnecessary. People come in and out of your life, sometimes with no thought as to the wake they leave in their path and those experiences are always unsettling. I find i am getting better as i get old at connecting with those who approach life in ways i value: with kindness, humor, humility and thoughtfulness but i am still vulnerable. If nothing else, there is only one friend you’ve promised everything you have to and he isn’t going anywhere.
Chin up, fall is here.
You had me at sea salt and caramel. Yum! Best positive thoughts sent your way… I hope these sucky situations can be resolved in a way that helps your heart heal.
Lauren, I am so sorry about your family member ((hugs)) and healing vibes to her.
Also, sad to hear about the friendship. I hope you get some emotional rest.
I’m sorry to hear that terrible news about your family member. Hope that she is able to complete a full recovery. Also, gosh, friendship troubles are so painful. Thanks despite all this s*** going on that you are able to share this amazing looking recipe! I am not much of a baker but I think something about this recipe being done in a pot without use of a mixer really gives me some confidence there. Good luck with all these family/friend difficulties.
Sending you some love Mama!
Sorry it’s been such a rough week. There’s nothing like an illness with someone you love to put everything into perspective, I hope she’s healthy soon and some better luck can come your way. Hugs.
And those brownies obviously look delicious, what could be better?!
These brownies look and sound incredible, but I am sorry they had to be eaten under such circumstances. Sending love to you and your family!
Lauren,
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe, very excited to try it. So sorry to hear about such rough seas there right now, prayers for family and think that someone is missing out being friends with you! Especially if you can make brownies like these, kidding, kind of. Hope you can find some peace with your 4 awesome guys in your life!
Thank you so much. I feel the love, and I’m sure my aunt does too!
Yes, I sure do feel the love! Lots and lots of love. I will be fine , Lauren, I promise. Thank you and all of your blogging friends for the well wishes sent my way. It means so much to me. Love you.
Lauren, warm wishes and prayers being sent to your aunt. Also, I am sorry to hear about your dissolving friendship. That is really disheartening and even hurtful. I think I can empathize since I have had something similar happen to me in the recent past. Take care of yourself. Those brownies look delicious!
Lauren, I’m sorry you’re feeling low. Those are two difficult situations.
So much love to you and those you love and care for. I will be keeping you all in my heart. Enjoy the chocolatey therapy.
It really feels like 2013 has not been your year. But you’re surely do for a run of good luck soon.
Cancer sucks. It really, really does. The only good thing is that it makes us more thankful for the people we have in our lives and more appreciative for the time we have together. Big, squeezy internet hugs to you.
Lauren, ( I always have so much to catch up on when I finally check in with my blog reading) but I just read about your aunt and also the update that things are looking hopeful? My hope is that it continues that way! And although I don’t know the details of your friend breakup I can tell you I’ve been there and it’s HARD. But unfortunately, (and maybe not so unfortunately) relationships sometimes dissolve. I hope it’s for the best even if you can’t see it now.
Love all the boys portraits – each one growing bigger! And I’m loving your Fall look. I wish I could raid your closet.
xo
cortnie