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Sourdough Surprises: Mad for brownies

Monday, May 20, 2013

COCONUT NUT SOURDOUGH BROWNIES 
We've all been there. We get an idea for a dish in our head and we keep smelling and tasting it in our minds. We plan how to prepare it and what would go into it. And then we just have to run with it.
For me, it was coconut. I couldn't stop thinking of coconut and just had to use it in every way possible when Sourdough Surprises came up with the idea of brownies.
Since I've used the suggested recipe for sourdough brownies elsewhere with slight modifications, this time, I adapted a cocoa brownie recipe that I've been using for a long time because it is so good (adapted from Mad About Brownies by Barbara Albright and Leslie Weiner). I cut down on the flour and liquids to make up for what is already in the starter and then piled in the coconut elements by substituting them for ingredients in the original recipe: vegetable oil --> coconut oil; walnuts --> fresh coconut meat; buttermilk --> coconut cream; and almond essence --> coconut essence.
After tasting a few brownies, I decided there still wasn't enough coconut and made a coconut marshmallow frosting to add on top. In the end though, I have to admit the brownies were all right but not outstanding. They turned out cakey rather than with that desirable chewy crumb and crackled top. I've put down the recipe below but I will be tweaking it.
Check out what other brownies the Sourdough Surprises group made (new links will appear as posts are uploaded).



Have these brownies with a drink of cold coconut water straight from the shell
Coconut Nut Sourdough Brownies
Makes 16

Preferment
25g unfed leaven
55g bread flour
45g tepid water

Mix all the ingredients together, cover and set aside until slighly bubbly, 2-3 hours.

Final batter
25g all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp table salt
90g fresh coconut meat, roughly chopped
160g caster sugar
75ml coconut oil
1 egg
All the preferment (about 110g)
80ml coconut cream
1 tsp coconut essence
50g unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm square baking tin and line the base and sides with parchment paper.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Toss the coconut meat with the flour mixture. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, oil and egg until pale.
Beat in the preferment, coconut cream and coconut essence until just mixed.
Fold in the cocoa powder, followed by the flour-coconut meat mixture.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
Cool in tin on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from tin to cool completely. Best cut and served after storing overnight.
Take these brownies over the top with a coconut marshmallow frosting
Coconut Marshmallow Frosting
Makes about 1 cup

½ cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup dessicated coconut

Place all the ingredients except the coconut in a small saucepan and heat gently until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in the coconut. Spread while still warm on top of the brownies.

    14 comments:

    1. Oooh yummy!I briefly thought of making something with coconut too. My mother would love these. I love that you used coconut in so many forms. But yes, fresh coconut flavour is easily overpowered.

      C'mon linky! Why aren't you working so that I can properly blog hop. It's after midnight!

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    2. Oooh, they look seriously good. I really like the idea of lots of coconut with those dark chocolate brownies.

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    3. Does this ever look amazing! Although coconut and chocolate is one of my favorite combos, for some reason I never bake them together. I must try these brownies!!

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    4. They look delicious! I want that frosting!

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    5. How have I never made coconut brownies before?! What a great idea. They look delicious.

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    6. Wow! You really did add coconut in many ways. Very inventive!

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    7. I love the coconut inspiration - maybe it's the impending summer, but I've had a hankering for coconut recently, too! Great job. I can't wait until you perfect the recipe - it'll be epic! :)

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    8. Hello coconuty goodness! I love all the ways you incorporated coconut into these brownies! Delicious!

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    9. Oh my! I love coconut and with all the coconut elements in your brownies I am sure they tasted heavenly

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    10. Wow~ These look absolutely delicious! And the coconut marshmallow frosting!! Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines

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    11. Your brownies look fabulous! I love coconut! What a great idea!

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    12. Those look really good. Coconut and chocolate!? Definitely on to something. I found the same cakey factor with my two batches. Good luck with your tinkering!

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    13. The coconut was a terrific addition, but the coconut and marshmallow frosting was a 4-star inspiration. The photo is irresistible!

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    14. They look amazing!!! What a brilliant idea!

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    Your views are welcome and appreciated. Have a nice day!