Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies - Question About Chocolate!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants' experiences and thoughts on making Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies, particularly focusing on the challenges of working with melted chocolate and suggestions for improvement.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed difficulty in squeezing melted chocolate from a baggie, resulting in a mess and wasted chocolate.
  • Another participant suggested adding a little milk to the chocolate to thin it out for easier handling.
  • Several users mentioned the possibility of using the Easy Accent Decorator for melted chocolate, with mixed experiences regarding its effectiveness.
  • One participant noted a preference for caramel kisses over Rolos, citing a dislike for the taste of Rolos when cold.
  • Another participant shared that they found melted chocolate to be liquid enough to drizzle easily, contrasting with others' experiences of thickness.
  • Some participants discussed using Hershey's syrup as an alternative topping, highlighting its ease of use and positive reception from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best method for handling melted chocolate, with some participants finding it manageable while others experienced difficulties. There is no clear consensus on the effectiveness of the Easy Accent Decorator or the best chocolate type to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences and preferences regarding chocolate handling techniques and product usage, reflecting a variety of cooking styles and outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants looking for tips on improving their brownie-making techniques and exploring product options for chocolate application.

jenniferp417
Messages
981
I made these tonight - I'm taking them to work tomorrow - I hope they're good when they're "cold."

I had a heck of a time with the melted chocolate in the baggie - I don't think I cut a big enough hole in the corner of the bag for starters, but it was really hard squeezing hot chocolate out of a baggie. I made a big mess of my hands and I think I wasted a lot of chocolate still in the bag too.

Any tips on making that easier next time? I can't demo a cooking step that ends with me covered in chocolate! :eek:
 
Im wondering if you could add alittle milk to the chocolate in the microwave to thin it out alittle?

D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Hm. That's a thought.Or... can I put melted chocolate in the easy accent decorator? I don't have one, but I know i can get it on supply order and I've thought about it...
 
jenniferp417 said:
Hm. That's a thought.

Or... can I put melted chocolate in the easy accent decorator? I don't have one, but I know i can get it on supply order and I've thought about it...


Just alitttlllllleeee milk, I would think. I, too, made the brownies and it was thick, but I managed. I didnt like the rolos though. Some of the wise chefs here suggested caramel kisses. I would SOOOO much rather use them because its "real" chocolate. I dont like the taste of the rolo chocolate, especially cold. So much so that Im really hesitant about taking them to work. Just a personal opinion though. I don't have the EAD either and really want it....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I'm going to get caramel kisses next time. :) That's a good suggestion. And I have more chocolate chips - I'll have to think of something to use them on to practice, and I'll try them with the milk.Thanks!
 
jenniferp417 said:
I'm going to get caramel kisses next time. :) That's a good suggestion. And I have more chocolate chips - I'll have to think of something to use them on to practice, and I'll try them with the milk.

Thanks!


I would just start with a teaspoon or so and go from there....Im always a pessimist with new stuff
 
I haven't made this recipe...yet. But, could you even put the chocolate in one of the decorator bottles, perhaps??

Paula
 
Paula R. Lewis said:
I haven't made this recipe...yet. But, could you even put the chocolate in one of the decorator bottles, perhaps??

Paula


Its really really thick and such a small amount......I rolled the bag down to the corner it was going in and used the scraper to get it all in and then clipped that corner....
 
jenniferp417 said:
Hm. That's a thought.

Or... can I put melted chocolate in the easy accent decorator? I don't have one, but I know i can get it on supply order and I've thought about it...

i wondered the same thing when i made these... why can't we put the chocolate in the EAD?? Maybe i'll try tomorrow and let you know if i screwed it up. lol
 
ginamkiely said:
i wondered the same thing when i made these... why can't we put the chocolate in the EAD?? Maybe i'll try tomorrow and let you know if i screwed it up. lol


Its like wallpaper paste and theres so little that you're working with. Seems useless...
 
i wish they would make a better way... that's another great product to show off...
 
OK, I think I've got something here....

melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, just to "drizzle" over the top?

Hmmm....I know....forget that step, and just buy Hershey's chocolate syrup!!
At least, that's what I do for Peanutty Brownie Pizza, and everyone LOVES it!!

What do you think?

Paula
 
What is? The EAD? I don't have one yet...you dont like it?

Are there any good recipes with bananas and chocolate or peanut butter and chocolate? Preferrable the bananas?
 
oh that is interesting... we might have to give that a try!!!!
 
Paula R. Lewis said:
OK, I think I've got something here....

melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, just to "drizzle" over the top?

Hmmm....I know....forget that step, and just buy Hershey's chocolate syrup!!
At least, that's what I do for Peanutty Brownie Pizza, and everyone LOVES it!!

What do you think?

Paula

DUH! What a great idea! And it tastes better!
 
yeah the easy accent decorator... i love it!! it's a shame to have to cut a whole in a plastic bag when PC makes such great products... it seems dumb to me you know what i mean?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Paula R. Lewis said:
OK, I think I've got something here....

melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, just to "drizzle" over the top?

Hmmm....I know....forget that step, and just buy Hershey's chocolate syrup!!
At least, that's what I do for Peanutty Brownie Pizza, and everyone LOVES it!!

What do you think?

Paula

I LOVE IT! :love:

And even I, the super-klutz, can squeeze hershey's syrup without its being a catastrophe! :D
 
ginamkiely said:
yeah the easy accent decorator... i love it!! it's a shame to have to cut a whole in a plastic bag when PC makes such great products... it seems dumb to me you know what i mean?


Yes since the whole idea is to showcase PC products! LOL
 
I don't understand. When I melted the chocolate it was liquid enough to drizzle quite easily. I used the larger flexible funnel and filled a decorator bottle but I have also done it with a baggie. I do not add milk. I have used all kinds of chips (store brand - expensive) and they all work fine for me.

Maybe your chocolate was too cold? Maybe you had it in the microwave too long - that can cause a thickening (or burning:yuck: ).

You could use those chocolate discs - they melt to a more liquid consistancy than chocolate chips.
 
Denarella said:
What is? The EAD? I don't have one yet...you dont like it?

Are there any good recipes with bananas and chocolate or peanut butter and chocolate? Preferrable the bananas?





EAD=Easy Accent Decorator:balloon:

As for a "good recipe" with bananas/chocolate/peanut butter....well, yeah!! Peanutty Brownie Pizza, of course!!:rolleyes:



Paula
 
ok i'm definitely trying with the EAD... thanks!
 
BethCooks4U said:
I don't understand. When I melted the chocolate it was liquid enough to drizzle quite easily. I used the larger flexible funnel and filled a decorator bottle but I have also done it with a baggie. I do not add milk. I have used all kinds of chips (store brand - expensive) and they all work fine for me.

Maybe your chocolate was too cold? Maybe you had it in the microwave too long - that can cause a thickening (or burning:yuck: ).

You could use those chocolate discs - they melt to a more liquid consistancy than chocolate chips.

I did exactly as the recipe called for and I used Toll House chocolate chips...nothing burned and it melted easily...just really thick.
 
Denarella said:
I did exactly as the recipe called for and I used Toll House chocolate chips...nothing burned and it melted easily...just really thick.

I noticed the same thing and i used the same things. Maybe it's a Jersey thing. lol
 
ginamkiely said:
I noticed the same thing and i used the same things. Maybe it's a Jersey thing. lol


Yeah...Im sure....had to be my acrylic nails in the way or my poofy hair...Im SURE of it...:p
 
Denarella said:
Yeah...Im sure....had to be my acrylic nails in the way or my poofy hair...Im SURE of it...:p


you kill me!!!
 
Hershey's syrup will most likely get my vote, even though I haven't made this yet.

Think about it...you've got the audience already "drooling", just waiting to eat it, when you pull out the syrup.
You casually pour a little syrup, and enjoy all the "oohs and aahs". Then, you go into an "Emeril" impersonation, and "kick it up a notch", and pour on even more syrup! I do this with the Peanutty Brownie Pizza, and it always gets a few chuckles, definitely no complaints about having to endure "extra" chocolate!!

Good luck, everyone!!

Paula
 
Paula R. Lewis said:
Hershey's syrup will most likely get my vote, even though I haven't made this yet.

Think about it...you've got the audience already "drooling", just waiting to eat it, when you pull out the syrup.
You casually pour a little syrup, and enjoy all the "oohs and aahs". Then, you go into an "Emeril" impersonation, and "kick it up a notch", and pour on even more syrup! I do this with the Peanutty Brownie Pizza, and it always gets a few chuckles, definitely no complaints about having to endure "extra" chocolate!!

Good luck, everyone!!

Paula


I LIKE your parties! LOL...
 
Gee, thanks...wanna book a show with me? We've got a really great new catalog coming out!!

Paula
 
Paula R. Lewis said:
Gee, thanks...wanna book a show with me? We've got a really great new catalog coming out!!

Paula


As long as you pay for my gasoline to get out there! LOL
 
Denarella said:
I did exactly as the recipe called for and I used Toll House chocolate chips...nothing burned and it melted easily...just really thick.

If the chocolate is in your microwave too long before you stir it, it will begin to thicken. Regardless of what the recipe says, when I melt chocolate in a strange microwave, I only put it in for about 10 - 15 seconds at a time, stir, 10 - 15 sec, stir, etc. until I can stir with the mini-whisk and not see any lumps. Even though our recipes are pretty good with the times they tell you to cook things, I have found that when I am doing anything with chocolate, my microwave has a mind of it's own. Oh, and it also depends on what container you have your choclate in. The larger and heavier the container, the longer it usually takes to melt, but the more often I tend to stir.

If I were you, I would try to melt some chocolate again... Do about 1/2 cup of chips in the small micro cooker, the small batter bowl and a prep bowl. One at a time, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stir, 10-15 sec, stir, etc. See how long it takes the chocolate to melt in each one.

Even though this seems strange to work on melting chocolate, I like to perfect "simple" tasks. That way when I have a guest at a show that says, "I can't melt chocolate", I can give him/her tips and then it leads to a recruiting statement like... "I was never very good at things like this until I joined PC. But with all the great training we have available and the tips I have learned from other consultants, I have been able to improve my cooking skills dramatically."

Anyway, JMHO!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chocolate is best for making Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies?

For the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate. These types of chocolate provide a rich taste that complements the caramel and nuts in the brownies.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate in the recipe?

Yes, you can use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate. However, keep in mind that chocolate chips contain stabilizers that may prevent them from melting as smoothly as baking chocolate. For a gooey texture, you may want to slightly adjust the melting process.

How can I ensure my brownies are not too dry?

To prevent dry brownies, avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, using ingredients at room temperature can help achieve a fudgier texture.

What can I substitute for chocolate if I want a different flavor?

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute the chocolate with cocoa powder. Use about 1/3 cup of cocoa powder for every ounce of chocolate, and add a bit of extra fat, like butter or oil, to maintain the moisture in the brownies.

Can I add nuts to the chocolate mixture for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Adding nuts to the chocolate mixture can enhance the flavor and texture of your brownies. Chopped walnuts or pecans are great options. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking up the brownie batter too much.

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