Comatose Brownies

These brownies are fudgey, gooey, chewy and so dark they're almost unholy... Just one bite of this extremely dark brownie is all it takes to send you into a chocolate coma. Lightweights, beware! Enjoy with a tall glass of milk. Recommended pan size is 9x13. Recipe has been modified to include milk so the batter is no longer a thick dough in the end, but a more squidgy batter. The ending brownie will be fudgey all the same. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 brownies

Ingredients

• 1  cup unsalted butter
• 2  cups granulated sugar
• 2  cups cocoa powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2  teaspoons  good vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon  extract (choose your favorite!)
• 2  tablespoons  strong coffee
• 3  eggs
• 1  cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1  tablespoon milk
• 2  cups  semisweet chocolate, chopped coarsely (or use semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• 2  cups bittersweet chocolate, chopped coarsely (or use bittersweet chocolate chips)
• 4  ounces  unsweetened 100% chocolate (optional)
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1  cup raisins (optional)
• 2  cups  shredded coconut (reserve 1/2 cup) (optional)
•  cooking spray (to grease pan)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Add the sugar and stir, keeping the heat on. The mixture should have tiny bubbles and not be at a violent boil. We're not making candy, here.
4. when the butter mixture appears shiny, remove from heat and add cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. (NOTE: You can use salted butter if you have it, just leave out the salt. Your brownies will be fine!) Beat *very* well.
5. Add the vanilla and espresso and stir more gently. Make sure the batter has cooled enough before adding your eggs. If you wish you can temper your eggs while the batter is hot, but you really should let it cool down. . .
6. Add the eggs all at once (or one at a time and beating well after each addition, Your preference) and beat well.
7. Add the flour and gently stir together, then add the milk and gently stir until well combined. Your batter may look very thin and/or sticky. This is normal.
8. The batter should be cool by now, enough to add your chocolate. Oh, the chocolate! NOTE: The more things you add, the drier the batter will be. The 1/4 cup milk is your safeguard against that. Add both the semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolates.
9. Add the unsweetened chocolate and stir well. You'll need a strong arm to do this, but it'll be well worth it!
10. Want to take it even further? Add the nuts, coconuts and raisins. If you added unsweetened chocolate the raisins will counteract nicely against it, and the coconut will add texture. Save 1/2 cup coconut to top the brownies with.
11. Liberally grease a 9x13 baking pan with baking cooking spray -- and I do mean LIBERALLY.
12. Pour (Or rather at this point -- spoon) the dark batter into the greased baking dish, being careful to get every bit of the powerful weapon you just created. Pat the batter so it's even. TIP: Use a silicone spatula for minimal sticking of the batter. Pat down so it's even, then top with remaining coconut.
13. Caution: The batter (especially after all the additions) will be VERY HEAVY!
14. Bake at 325 F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out "somewhat clean". NOTE: After all the additions, cooking time may take up to ONE HOUR.
15. Cool completely before cutting. (Why: Fresh out of the oven, they won't cut properly and they will fall apart on you. After additions, the chocolate will all ooze everywhere. They MUST be completely cooled!).
16. Brace yourself for the chocolate coma and enjoy.