While I have yet to crack the code as to why, it seems there are five million gluten-free brownie mixes in the world. And they’re all kind of the same. I’m guessing brownies are either the easiest thing to make gluten-free, or people just know that everyone loves brownies. Once you’ve mastered the brownie mix (which you did in like, third grade, right?), it’s super easy to dress up those sweet treats and call them your own. At least this was my justification when I went on a tear this weekend after feeling deprived of baked goods, and found one of the dozen gluten-free brownie mixes in my cabinet but realized it just wasn’t enough.
So I made my brownie mix fancy with caramel and sea salt! Yes, that means it’s awesome. But here’s the thing with caramel. If you just buy caramels and melt them, you may be in for some gluten. Probably not, but unless you buy gluten-free caramel sauce, it’s possible that caramel color has gluten in it. Unfair!
I looked into my cabinets and was able to gather together the three ingredients required to make my own damn caramel, which is shockingly easy as long as you stay glued to the stove top. Now I have a new skill, and a vat of gluten-free caramel sauce to use as I please. And I will. Oh, I will. Vanilla ice cream, I’ve got my eye on you.
Here’s how to make some sweet and salty brownies, gf style. Continue reading
