Prize-Winning Pecan Mocha Brownies

Deliciously different brownies - this was my Pecan Fantasy entry this year. I specifically entered the so-called 'Lighter Side' category. Although these brownies contain sugar they do NOT contain flour or dairy and are very low sodium. Unfortunately for me, the contest judges saw fit to place my entry with 'Bars' and I was awarded a Third Place Ribbon. I will never know if I'd have been the BIG WINNER if I'd ended up in my original category. 


Thanks to my dear friend, T.H., in California, for the original recipe! 

Preheat oven to 350*, grease 8 inch square cake pan and line the bottom with parchment, then grease parchment or use cooking spray before adding batter. 


Ingredients:


5-1/2 oz. good quality semi-sweet chocolate (I used Lindt 70% Cocoa)
3-1/2 oz dairy-free margarine (I used Benecol) plus extra for greasing pan
1 tsp. strong instant coffee (I used Starbucks Via Instant Columbia)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup ground pecans (original recipe calls for almonds)
scant 1 cup superfine 'bakers' sugar
4 eggs, separated
Confectioner's sugar to decorate


Method:


Melt the chocolate and margarine in a double-boiler* pan over gently simmering water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir very occasionally until the chocolate and margarine have melted and are smooth.


Remove the bowl from heat. Let cool slightly, then stir in the coffee and vanilla. Add the pecans and sugar and mix well until combined. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl, then stir into the chocolate mixture.


Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the remainder until completely incorporated.


Spoon the mixture into a prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until risen and firm on top but slightly gooey in the center. Let cool in the pan, then turn out, remove lining paper and cut into 12 pieces. Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving.


*Who has a double-boiler in this day and age? I gerry-rigged one by upending my metal vegetable steamer basket in a 3 quart sauce pan. The bowl rested easily on the 'legs' of the basket with the water simmering beneath - well below the bowl. I wouldn't recommend micro-melting. Chocolate burns easily in a microwave and result might not be quite as nice. 


Oh, and one last suggestion, if you are caffeine-sensitive you might not want to eat one of these right before bedtime. But if you NEED to wake up or stay awake these are a tasty alternative to a cup of coffee - or eat a brownie AND drink coffee for a double jolt!