Tuesdays with Dorie #8: Beth of Supplicious decided on Chipster-Topped Brownies on pages 94 and 95.
So far every recipe I’ve made for TWD has been good – some expectedly so and some surprisingly so. So given that success, I was really jazzed to make this recipe because chocolate chip cookies and brownies are two of my favorite things in the whole wide world.
I’m sorry to say that I was completely and totally underwhelmed by this dessert, however.
I loved all the elements and had fun photographing the creamy rich melted chocolate …
And taking photos of the swirly patterns as I mixed the brownie batter …
Pouring out the yummy brownie mix …
Adding the chips to the cookie mix …
And using my fingers to smooth the cookie layer over the top (not to mention licking my fingers after) …
… but I had problems with the baking time. I kept using the “streaky knife” test that Dorie recommends and by the time I got a clean to “slightly” streaky knife, the cookie part was deeply darkly crunchy brown and the edges of the brownie were also leaning towards burnt.
Also I really expected a bit more definition between the brownie part and the cookie part, which I just didn’t get, as you can see from the photos. Ultimately I felt like the combination of the two elements was less than the individual components. A really good brownie is worth it’s weight in gold and your basic chocolate chip cookie .. well, there’s just nothing to compare. By combining them, something was lost. In my opinion, anyway.
That didn’t keep them from being snapped up like crazy at work and by H, but overall I was just not thrilled.
Not every recipe can be a stunning success. And I know some people loved these so I’m glad that they turned out well for those folks.
Onward to the next TWD recipe.
The recipe is available in Baking: From My Home to Yours
Enjoy!
Amanda Formaro
May 26th, 2009
They look great even if you weren’t totally thrilled with them! I liked these, the dryness of the brownie layer seems to have disappeared over night
lindsey
May 26th, 2009
I’ve made something similar before and I have to agree. I didn’t expect it, but the combination of two of my favorite desserts seemed to have taken something away from both of them.
Beautiful pictures as always, Kara.
Sara
May 26th, 2009
At least your baked properly. I ended up throwing most of mine away because it was still raw.
Joy
May 26th, 2009
Great photos! The egg mix was so pretty! These weren’t my favorite brownies ever, but they still got eaten – even if they were underbaked
Katya
May 26th, 2009
Thank god somebody agrees with me here! Glad you commented, for some reason your site wasn’t on my blogroll and your pictures are beautiful.
Lady Baker
May 26th, 2009
Love your photos! And I think we’re in agreement on the whole underwhelmed situation…onward to cinnamon squares! I’m hoping it’s a great comeback for next Tuesday!
Clivia
May 26th, 2009
Your brownies look lovely!
Judy
May 26th, 2009
Your brownies still look delicious even if they didn’t thrill you. I must say they tasted better the second day, with more defined flavors. Thanks for posting about the vanilla bean source. I’ve been looking for reliable sources, so I may give this one a try.
Lori Ann
May 26th, 2009
Your photos are amazing! I don’t usually think about taking photos until the end, but I love your photos showing the process! Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you expected, but your brownies look tasty!
Kaitlin
May 26th, 2009
On the bright side, your photos look fantastic.
Margot
May 26th, 2009
You’re lucky to have saved the calories by not liking them. Your photos are always fabulous!
Leslie
May 26th, 2009
I love your process photos! They make me happy about a recipe that was very disappointing. Onward to next week!
Cakelaw
May 27th, 2009
I know what you mean – I liked these, but for the effort and ingredients, I wouldn’t make them again.
pamela
May 27th, 2009
You’re right, not every one is going to be a winner. Still, it stinks when something doesn’t turn out as you expected or hoped for. I’m glad others enjoyed it, though. They looks tasty!
Sugar B
May 30th, 2009
I still think the brownies look amazing!
Holly
May 31st, 2009
I’m so sorry these didn’t work out for you! We loved them, but I thought they were even better the next day when the two layers kind of softened up together a bit.
ohbrooke
August 4th, 2009
I HAVE to have some of that cookie dough right now. It looks amazing!