It’s about time adults got their own brownie, don’t you think?

One of me and my husband’s favorite pastimes is exploring Chicago’s thriving beer scene and discovering our local favorites — Half Acre being one of them. We might be a tad biased as my husband races for their cycling team, but their beer really does speak for itself. One of my favorites is the Big Hugs imperial stout, a specialty brew (aka: only available as a special release) that’s big (10% ABV) and chocolatey.

Chocolatey, you say? This very idea inspired me to combine my favorite chocolatey beer with my favorite chocolate dessert — the brownie. And why not throw a little Lion’s Pride whiskey from Koval — a local distillery — in there, too? You know, for good measure. How bad could it be?

As it turns out, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, my husband declared this recipe his all-time favorite, and I’d have to agree — I think they’re my new favorite, too. Perfectly fudgy and outrageously chocolatley with a hint of edge from the booze, they’re a match made in chocolate heaven.

Boozy Brownies

Adapted from craftbeer.com (who knew!)

What you need:

Butter for coating pan

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup Half Acre Big Hugs stout

2 tablespoons Lion’s Pride whiskey

3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

How you do it: