Orange Fresh Cranberry Brownies

I have really been craving orange and chocolate together for a while now, and one of the things I've been wanting to make is orange brownies.  Since I just can't stop there, I decided to add fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips as well.  I frequently see recipes for cranberry orange blondies all over the place, but brownies not so much.  I had to fix that.  Which is where these brownies come in.  I started with this brownie recipe from Guittard, and added a bit more orange zest, fresh cranberries, and white chocolate chips.  I almost threw in some pistachios, but didn't this time.  You can if you want, I think they would be delicious!  You do want to chill these brownies before cutting as the fudge factor is astronomical, and the chilling will help them to cut more easily.  I totally can't get over the fresh cranberries in these brownies!  These brownies are so rich and fudgy with a hint of orange and wonderful bursts of cranberry throughout!

Orange Fresh Cranberry Brownies

1 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) semi sweet chocolate chips
4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup water
4 eggs
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
zest of one orange
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups fresh cranberries
3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325F.  Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Place the chocolate chips, butter, and water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth (mine took about 1 minute).  Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, orange zest, salt, and vanilla, until thick and pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes.  With the mixer on low, beat in the melted chocolate until blended.  Add the flour and beat until just combined.  Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a crust has formed on the top of the brownies and the edges have pulled away from the pan.  Let the brownies cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight (or until cold) before cutting.  Makes 24 bars.

Enjoy! -Cardamommy