Piri Piri Seasoning and Mexican Brownies

Well, late night craving hit in a large, chocolatey and spicy way. So, here's what came about! Chocolate craving - solution: Brownies! Spicy sweetness craving - solution: throw in a Mexican flair, in the way of cinnamon and chili. Your classic Mexican chocolate made brownie-style.

I had some creative decisions to make. What chili powder, of all the many choices we have at Spice Traders, would be the best fit for a brownie? There's STM Hill Country Chili Powder, my first choice, an amazing blend of chilies and other spices, but the cumin, onion and garlic weren't what I had in mind. Next, STM Harissa, a more promising possibility, a blend of more peppers including cayenne and paprika, but it also had garlic, cumin and spearmint. A great blend, but again, too savory for brownies. I had finally decided on a single spice, rather than a blend, STM Hungarian Paprika. I liked it for its subtle sweetness, with a hint of warmth. But as I was second-guessing, I stumbled upon the winner! STM Piri Piri Seasoning!  It contains an amazing blend of 4 peppers or chilies, with the only other addition being a hint of lemon peel. Excellent! Warmth with no savory addition.

With this decision made, the rest was easy! I chose STM Organic Saigon Cinnamon for its superior sweetness and strong flavor, a cinnamon equal to the battle between spice and spice in these brownies. Next, I decided to brown the butter slightly, to add a subtle nuttiness to the mix. Vanilla was another necessity, to stay true to the Mexican theme. And the plan was set. Be aware, the smell of the browned butter mixed with sugar and vanilla extract, absolutely intoxicating! That smell alone is worth making these brownies!!

Mexican Brownies

2 sticks butter, melted
2 c sugar
4 large eggs
1 Tbs vanilla extract
2/3 c cocoa powder
1 c flour
2 tsp STM Organic Saigon Cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp STM Cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp STM Piri Piri Seasoning blend
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 dish with parchment paper. Press paper tightly into the corners, grease paper.

Browned butter/vanilla heaven!

Melt butter in saucepan until just slightly brown, watch very carefully and remove from heat immediately when butter shows signs of browning. It will continue to brown with the residual heat of the pan. Allow butter to cool for a few minutes, then add sugar. Stir with heat safe spatula or wooden spoon until mixed. Then add eggs and vanilla, stirring until mixed. Next add cooca powder, flour, cinnamon, cayenne and Piri Piri seasoning, salt and baking powder, stirring until smooth. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake until center is fudgy, approximately 20 minutes. Cool in pan, then use parchment to lift out brownies.

Ready for the oven!

Recipe adapted from the Food Network