Petite Sirah Pairings Lavender-Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 5 oz Unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 Vanilla beans, scraped
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp Lavender buds (adjust to liking)
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 1 cup All-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees and pour yourself a glass of Vina Robles Petite Sirah!

2. 2

   Line a 9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and grease with butter.

3. 3

   In a metal or glass bowl, combine the butter, chocolate and vanilla seeds. In a saucepan, bring about an inch of water to a low boil. Place the bowl over the saucepan and stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Set bowl aside and let mixture cool slightly.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Whisk in the chocolate mixture, lavender buds and salt, until mixture is evenly colored. Gradually blend in flour.

5. 5

   Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. These brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center still has a few moist crumbs on it. Transfer to a wire rack, let cool and cut into pieces.

6. 6

   Enjoy the Lavender-Chocolate Brownies with Vina Robles Petite Sirah!

7. 7

   Hint: Use 1 tbsp vanilla extract instead of fresh vanilla beans.

8. 8

   Hint: Reduce the amount of sugar for a brownie less sweet.

9. 9

   Hint: For an extra chocolaty taste, add ½ cup of chocolate chips with the flour.