Melba’s Chocolate Brownies.

Imagine this: You arrive at Exhale on a wintery Friday afternoon. The wood fire crackles to life, and the spa's bubbling outside. You take a peek at our gorgeous kitchen and think, "Why not whip up some brownies?" Then it hits you: Melba’s Chocolate Factory, just a short drive away (25 minutes) was your go-to spot as a kid.

Nestled in the picturesque township of Woodside, Melba's Chocolate Factory stands as a testament to South Australia's confectionery heritage. Situated in a heritage-listed complex, this 'working' tourism factory offers visitors a glimpse into the meticulous process of chocolate making while enchanting them with an array of irresistible treats.

For our Luxurious Chocolate Brownies, we rely on Melba's chocolate, sourced from their renowned factory. With its rich, velvety texture, Melba's chocolate adds a delicious touch to your brownies. 

Here's how you can recreate Exhale's Luxurious Chocolate Brownies in the comfort of Exhale. 

Ingredients:

- 200g of Melba's dark chocolate

- 150g (1 1/4 cups) plain flour

- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar

- 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter

- 3 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

- Optional: 100g (1/2 cup) chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Break the Melba's chocolate into small pieces and chop the butter into cubes. Place them in a heatproof bowl and melt them together using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly until smooth.

5. Sift in the flour and salt, and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. If you're adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to be fudgy in the middle.

9. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and savour the luxurious indulgence of Exhale's Chocolate Brownies.

As you explore the wonders of the Adelaide Hills, we encourage you to check out Melba's Chocolate Factory. Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquillity at Exhale or immersing yourself in the charm of Woodside, the Adelaide Hills boasts something for everyone.