Three-Bite Almond Brownies

Maybe it's the holidays, but I've been craving some treats.  These little cupcake brownies are adapted from the great "Gluten-Free Baking" book by Rebecca Reilly (click here to loan it from any Saskatchewan Library).

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup golden yellow sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 ounces dark chocolate
• 3/4 cups toasted almonds

Before you begin - make sure you have all of the tools necessary.  I find baking complicated and would have been lost without some help in the kitchen.  Take the butter and eggs out of the fridge early to let them warm to room temperature.  You will need a medium and a large bowl, beaters, a couple spatulas, and something for cupcakes (we use re-usable silicone baking cups).

Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.

Start by toasting the almonds.  Cut them into small pieces and broil them at 450Funtil starting to brown (about 4 minutes). Watch them carefully because they will burn quickly.  Set them aside until they cool.

Turn the oven to bake at 350F.

Mix together the almond flour, xanthan gum in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

Cream the butter until it turns white.  Add the sugars and beat until it is fluffy .  You will notice it change texture after 3-4 minutes.  Add the salt, eggs, and vanilla, continue beating until blended.  Stir in the cooled dark chocolate with a spatula.  Once a consistent colour, fold in the dry ingredients. (Side Note - I love my partner - I never realized FOLD in meant fold it over and over like folding paper.  hehe).

Split the batter into 12 baking cups.  The brownies will puff up a bit but settle again when cooling, so fill them up!  Bake them at 350F for about 25 minutes - check with a toothpick to make sure they are done (and then overcook them, JUST a little if you like a bit of crispiness).  They will be VERY crumbly until fully cooled.

I wanted to add a Cream-Cheese Almond Icing but I was out-voted!  Let me know if it works out.  ENJOY!