Salted Rye Brownies

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Have we talked about how linear I am? I like to focus on one thing, see it through until completion and then I’m ready for the next project. Currently, I’m working on four different projects andddd…it’s a lot. For me. It’s all great…it’s just an adjustment for my brain. And both of my kids have been sick for what feels like an eternity…which is actually a project in itself. So five, make that five projects.

Are you a good multi-tasker? Did I miss this elective in college?

So the above means two things. First, I’m not always going to get two recipes per week on the blog for the next month or so-ish. I think we’re all cool with that. Second, I dusted off some recipes that I’ve wanted to make that are easy + less intensive. Never sad about that. I actually set aside time earlier this month and stacked up a bunch of easy-ish recipes so we didn’t fall too out of sync with each other. This makes me feel incredibly organized. It’ll pass…but for this moment, I’m feeling pretty smug.

So let’s talk dark rye flour. The first time I made chocolate rye cookies my parents were like, uh, yeah, that sounds great. But their faces told another story. I could tell they didn’t want any. I forced them and then they wanted more. They’re really good. If you were here I’d force you to eat them too. You should make them. Really.

So here’s what the rye does…it calms the chocolate a bit…which is why I think people that are lukewarm on chocolate, like chocolate rye stuff. It brings an earthiness to the sweet and cuts through said sweetness. I like to shower these with smoked salt flakes. My kids are having none of it, so I give them the usual sea salt flakes. Equally delicious.

These are quick. And easy. And my biggest tip for you is this: After they have chilled a spell on the counter, throw them in the fridge to finish cooling…it will make them extra ooey gooey. Did I mention they’re already ooey gooey and this makes them even more so? I know it’s really hard to wait for brownies to cool, but we’re practicing inner strength this year. Did you forget?

Let’s get our salted rye brownies on…

Salted Rye Brownies | DisplacedHousewife

Salted Rye Brownies | DisplacedHousewife

Salted Rye Brownies | DisplacedHousewife

Salted Rye Brownies | DisplacedHousewife

Salted Rye Brownies

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/4 cups (just shy of 8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
  • ¼ cup sunflower seed oil (or other neutral veggie oil)
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark rye flour
  • 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked or regular sea salt flakes to sprinkle on top

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure you have a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Butter or use nonstick spray on a 8X8 pan. If you’re feeling it, put parchment paper in there…you’ll need to cut it so that it fits nicely. Using parchment paper will make it easier to pull the rye brownies out of the pan when done.
  3. In a large, microwave-safe bowl add your chopped semi-sweet chocolate, butter and sunflower seed oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute. You could also use a double boiler for this step…I find that the microwave is quicker with less clean up. Microwave temperatures vary, so take care not to overheat your chocolate. Stir the chocolate-butter mixture until smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar and espresso to the chocolate and stir until completely blended.
  5. Add the three eggs to the chocolate mixture and stir until well mixed.
  6. Now you have two options at this point. You can either whisk your dry ingredients (rye flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder) in a separate bowl or you can sprinkle directly on top of the chocolate mixture. I do the latter which is totally baking sacriledge. But I have seriously tested this so many times and it works just fine. I do like to make sure that I sprinkle the baking powder all over so it’s not just dumped in one spot. Let your conscious be your guide. You have to admit the idea of dirtying just one bowl is pretty exciting?
  7. Mix the brownie batter until it is JUST combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Pour the batter into your prepared 8X8 dish. Use the back of your spoon to even the top a bit. Additionally tap the dish on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles from the batter.
  9. Put the rye brownies in the oven on the middle rack for 25 minutes. When done, they will have a bit of jiggle in the middle and if you test with a toothpick a wee bit of batter will coat it. This is a good thing.
  10. Now here is the most challenging part of brownie making…letting them sit there for 1-2 hours (or more) to cool. It’s brutal. If you put your rye brownies in the fridge to cool they will be extra chewy and fudge and expedite the cool down.
  11. When it’s time to cut the brownies, use a very sharp knife (a bread knife works great), cut straight up and down and use a wet paper towel to clean off the knife and get as clean of a cut as possible. These are UBER fudgy…the longer you wait to cut them, the better they will look.
  12. These become even more seductive and forthcoming when topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
  13. Thanks so much for making these salted rye brownies!! Tag me @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife so I can see your beautiful creations!!

On My Mind

  • Who’s watching The Young Pope? What do we think about it? Where’s this going?  Are he and the marketing lady going to rendezvous? If the story line gets that type of tension, I’m into it. Without it…I might wander…
  • It has been hella raining in California. Stella said: This isn’t normal?!?! And I said: THIS IS NORMAL. My kids don’t know what a typical winter in California is like. Way back when we actually had winter. And we wore coats and mittens and got muddy shoes…and the LA River would flood and everyone would stand on the edge and stare until someone fell in. Every. Year. Does this still happen? I’m outside of the LA news area now…so I have no idea.
  • What are we eating these days? I can’t get enough of roasted broccoli. I’ve also been trying to perfect this caramelized brussels sprout thing that’s finished with thick balsamic and sprinkled with parm. I had it one night and I can’t rest until I’ve replicated it exactly. If anyone has a recipe that sounds like this, please send it to me!!
  • This is for my friends that eat sushi. And have you seen this? Yeah.
  • Apparently, Hollywood is working leggings back into everyday apparel. I’m into it. Here’s our guide.
  • I mean…this made me laugh. I have a tendency to leave tissues around…I like to think my friends and family find this endearing (anyone??). One Christmas Bubbie was headed up to the Bay Area and I left a used, wadded-up tissue on her passenger seat. Bubbie’s a germaphobe. All afternoon she sent me photos of Tissue along the 101. Tissue at San Miguel…Tissue at Starbucks..I still wish we had Tissue. The onion made me think of Tissue. Maybe we should have Bubbie do a guest post?!? She’s all Whole30…could be an interesting twist? I don’t know if this illustrates it…but Bubbie makes me laugh.
  • This was a timely article to read while I’m feeling consumed with work. I wrote a rubbish blog post on balance awhile ago and I often reflect back on it…I have no idea who wrote it. Because the person  typing this right now doesn’t even know the word. I could say I’m gonna work on it…but let’s be real. BUT, this article did give me pause. Our little people are only little for a short time. Chew on it for awhile…
  • OK. I’ve missed you. Can’t you tell? I hope you like these brownies. I think they would pair really well with some whiskey. Just saying.
  • Sending lots of love + light.

Rebecca xoxo

 

 

 

Comments

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I love your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot, I look forward to chatting with you!

Rebecca xox

17 Comments

  • Janet December 15, 2018 at 10:01 PM

    I made Dorie Greenspan’s chocolate chip cookies that have rye flour in them so glad to have another recipe that uses it!

    Reply
  • annie@ciaochowbambina February 9, 2017 at 9:16 PM

    I am never not in the mood for brownies and these are no exception! I love how decadent they are! YUM!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 9, 2017 at 9:57 PM

      Lady, I could not agree with you more!!! Thanks Annie!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Cindy January 31, 2017 at 5:12 PM

    You are hilarious! I thoroughly could relate to the madness of project on project. Love learning about rye and it cutting through sweetness. Great tip! I fell in love with Rye in Sweden, but before that I might have responded like your folks. HA! My parents are point-blank honest people…. especially when it comes to food. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 9, 2017 at 9:56 PM

      Hi Cindy! You’ll have to try the rye — I think you’ll love it. xo

      Reply
  • Dawn @ Girl Heart Food January 30, 2017 at 4:44 PM

    I’v never used rye flour before, but these look fantastic! And I don’t think I’ve met a brownie I didn’t like, lol :D Love salty/sweet combos so these are perfect to me! I’ll take 6 ;)

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 30, 2017 at 11:35 PM

      You must try it — I think you’ll love it!!! And I’ll share! ;)

      Reply
  • Laura | Tutti Dolci January 29, 2017 at 10:40 PM

    Yes to extra gooey! And yes to salt, always. And yes to brownies, forever!

    Reply
  • Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen January 28, 2017 at 1:44 AM

    I fall somewhere in the middle Rebecca. I can do more than one task, but I can’t overload or all hell breaks loose!! Totally going to LOVE these brownies! No question about it.
    On another note…froze some of your brown butter muscovado chocolate chipper dough. My son Casey and I have been making one each every night for the past few nights! God help me when it’s bathing suit season!! YIKES!

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife January 29, 2017 at 4:25 PM

      Mary Ann!! First, I’m totally envious. I guess I multi-task every day…I just don’t think I’m as good as I should be at it!! …on the cookie note — this makes me so happy!!!! I love hearing that…makes my day. Have a wonderful day!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Karen @ Seasonal Cravings January 25, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    I’ve never used rye flour but it sounds like a very interesting flavor especially in cookies. I am a little upset about leggings for everyday apparel. I mean I do wear my workout clothes all day whether I get to work out or not, but leggings are not flattering on me! Who cares what they do in L.A?

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife January 25, 2017 at 3:14 PM

      Hi Karen!! It’s a great combo, you should try it!! And I’m thinking you could totally rock the workout pants in the same way!! Let’s start a revolution!! xo

      Reply
  • 2pots2cook January 25, 2017 at 9:30 AM

    Oh dear ! It is an interesting combination of flavours ! Must try! Thank you and have a nice day !

    Reply
  • amisha January 25, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    your blog posts are always so funny! :) Gosh! and these brownies are everything! I started using dark rye flour cause of you, when I made your cookies for the first time, now I use dark rye flour in everything! hehe.

    I am a complete multi tasker – and my dad gets dizzy watching me multi task ;) lol

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife January 25, 2017 at 6:56 AM

      Amisha!! I’m jealous–teach me your multi-tasking ways!!! I love that you’re using rye flour…I want some details. I’m thinking a peach pie with a rye crust…fresh whipped cardamom cream?!? That’s going on a list somewhere… Just wait for it come summer. Sending lots of love!! xox

      Reply