Strawberry and Chocolate Brownies

Love is in the air…

You know what's interesting? Love smells a lot like chocolate and strawberries.

It's a predictable combo especially during this time of year, but let's face it, chocolate and strawberries are one of the most delicious combos ever created. Like ever.

How many times have you dipped that strawberry into the Nutella jar when no one was looking? 😉 Heh.

So in the spirit of sticking with tradition I came up with these strawberry and chocolate brownies. Ok…there are a few craisins thrown in there for little pop of color and tartness…but it is really the strawberries that are prevalent. I just love the bits of fruit you get with each bite!

Often I make my own jam. It is cheaper, healthier and easier than you might expect. Still, if you prefer to swap it for store-bought jam it will work all the same.

**Little side note: I did not seize LTG. Mom has been busy but will be back tomorrow. Rest assured 😉

Strawberry & Chocolate Brownies:

½ cup chocolate (I used leftover chocolate candies, otherwise just a break a bar down until you have about ½ cup)

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons canola oil

½ cup white sugar

½ cup dark brown sugar

2 eggs

¼ cup strawberry jam (recipe as follows)

1 cup flour

¼ cup dark chocolate chips

¼ cup dried cranberries

Homemade Strawberry Jam:

½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries

3 tablespoons of sugar, divided

In a small saucepan, boil down strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar for homemade jam. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Once the fruit has boiled down and thickened remove at once and transfer to a glass bowl. Stir in one more tablespoon of sugar and set aside to cool down completely.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line an 8-inch glass dish with parchment paper coming up the sides. Butter the parchment paper and set aside.

In a small bowl, melt down chocolate and butter. Once melted stir in canola oil and sugars. If the mixture is still hot, let it sit for a few minutes to cool a bit before adding the eggs.

Add eggs, stirring after each. Add homemade jam and flour. Fold in chocolate chips and cranberries.

Pour batter into lined baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes.

Lift brownies out of baking dish immediately and transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely before slicing.

If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of coffee.