French-American Brownie Salad

Description
These gloriously dense, fudge-like brownies make a perfect dessert for large, informal gatherings. They are cut into bars rather than the more familiar squares. Makes 36 servings.

Ingredients

 * 8 oz. unsweetened chocolate, preferably Valrhona, chopped
 * 1 cup (8 oz.) unsalted butter, cut up
 * 5 large eggs
 * 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
 * 1 tbsp. almond extract
 * 3 tbsp. instant coffee crystals
 * 4 cups sugar
 * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 * 1 cup unsalted peanuts, roasted and coarsely chopped

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350º F. Line an 18 by 12-inch sheet cake pan with aluminum foil.
 * 2) Melt chocolate and butter together in a double boiler over simmering water.
 * 3) Using an electric mixer, combine the eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and instant coffee.
 * 4) Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
 * 5) Add flour and mix thoroughly.
 * 6) Add melted chocolate and butter mixture.
 * 7) Fold in roasted peanuts.
 * 8) Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
 * 9) Bake until firm but still chewy and moist inside, 20 to 25 minutes.
 * 10) Let cool in the pan, then turn out onto a second baking sheet lined with plastic wrap.
 * 11) Peel off foil.
 * 12) Cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
 * 13) Cut lengthwise into 3 equal rectangles, then cut each rectangle into twelve 1 1/2 inch wide bars.