Two Ingredient Nutella Brownie (Gluten Free)

Two Ingredient Nutella Brownie

In celebration of World Nutella Day (yes there is such a thing) and as an act of penance after defaming my dear Uncle Jim, I bring you this post.

February 5th: World Nutella Day

Sexy. Smooth. Brown. Chocolatey. Nutty. Now that's my criteria for happiness. Good news. It comes in a jar. Whether you're putting it on toast, piping it into baked goods or spooning (possibly even forking) it, Nutella just works.

How did Nutella come about? The earliest version surfaced when cocoa supplies were limited due to World War II rationing. A man I'm forever grateful to, Mr Pietro Ferrero, used hazelnuts as an extender. What one may call serendipity, I call genius.

So, what's this got to do with my Uncle Jim? Well, Habibi Joo Joo is now limited to gluten free foods. When the village found out, they started sending recipes his way. Joo Joo's beautiful, talented and humble neice came to the rescue with the most complex recipe of the lot.

Two Ingredient Nutella Brownie

Ingredients:
4 whole eggs
1 cup of Nutella

That's right folks, TWO ingredients. Take it from a skeptic. This is so much better than it sounds!

Method:

1) Double the quantity, because your ethnicity inhibits you from making small batches. That's 8 eggs and 2 cups of Nutella. As Joo Joo and I worked out, 2 cups equates to one 750g jar of Nutella.

Why would anyone tamper with this glorious sight? Just you wait.

2) Listen to Michael Jackson. Just beat it. You want your eggs to triple in volume. It will take a good 7 or 8 minutes with an electric mixer.

 3) Microwave the Nutella in 15 second bursts. About 4 to 5 bursts should do the trick.

4) Make your ruggedly handsome uncle pose for a photo.

5) Fold the warm Nutella into the eggs gradually. Take care not to lose the aeration you've worked oh so hard for.

6) Pour the mix into a lined and sprayed cooking tray. 2-3cm of depth is prefereable.

 

7) Bake for a total of 25 to 30 minutes on 180 degrees celcius. Cooking time may vary.

OPTION: If you're anything like me, you have to tamper with a perfectly good recipe. Technically this is no longer Two Ingredient Nutella Brownie, but these almonds called my name.

Should you wish to add any topping to your brownie (I'm thinking I might go for shredded coconut next time) remove the tray after 20 minutes. Add your goodies and pop the tray back in.

 

8) Remove your brownie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.

9) Slice into your desired shape and size once the brownie is cool. I personally think these babies taste best after being refrigerated.

10) Put on a pot of coffee. You earned it.

I can't take credit for this recipe, but I'd like to acknowledge its creator. I don't know who you are, but thank you. Seriously, thank you.

From one little ducker to another, enjoy!

Gluten Free Foody Challenge Accepted!

Gluten...

A dirty word to many a health fanatic. A protein that gives dough its awfully attractive elasticity. It can be found in a variety of food products including ice cream, sauces, and even alcohol. For just under 1% of the population, those with Coeliac Disease, gluten causes various health concerns. When one of my family members was diagnosed with the condition, I thought I'd take on the gluten free challenge myself.

By the way Uncle Jim, I thank you for inspiring this post. Your exaggerated response to your diagnosis was the catalyst for my mission.

Being the determined (some would say stubborn) person that I am, I wanted to show Jim that foody life was not over. Eating gluten free can be simple, if you know where to go. First stop, Amoretti's Italian Restaurant. That's right, pizza, pasta and plenty of other goodies.

Tasmanian Scallops
infused with fresh lime, ginger and chilli

Eggplant Involtini
filled with fresh ricotta and pesto, sauteed in fresh pomodoro sauce, topped with melted grana shavings and pinenuts

Spinach
pear, blue cheese and walnuts

Prosciutto and Figs
with garlic, gorgonzola, mascarpone and rocket

Caramelised Octopus
grilled with fresh herbs, olive oil and lemon

Mamma
looking super cute

With Amoretti's clearly labelled menus, finding gluten free options (marked with a GF) was simple. When it came to pizzas, all traditional bases could be substituted with a gluten free base. The staff  were extremely obliging and warm, despite my million and one questions.

So, what's the cost when Italian dining for three, with great service, allowances for dietary requirements AND a glass of fine wine? Approximately $90.

What's the cost of seeing your Uncle Jim calm his farm post (seriously non-serious) diagnosis? Priceless. By the way ladies, he's single. Just saying.

Before I leave you, there are a few things you should know. Amoretti's is located in Chiswick and Abbotsbury. I frequent the Abbotsbury restaurant, as it's beautifully tucked away in Plough and Harrow Park. It's suitable for intimate dinners and is regularly booked for wedding receptions. The tapas menu is perfect for people like me who have Food FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Try the Meatballs and the Apple Crumble Pizza. Sorry, these goodies aren't suitable for the gluten free folk, but the rest of you will love them.

Until next time, go and get ducked :)