Peruvian Hass avocado brownies

Adding mashed Peruvian Hass avocado to the recipe gives these brownies a rich flavour and fabulously moist texture.

Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Makes 12

– 1 Peruvian Hass avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
– 250g plain chocolate, broken into pieces
– 150g butter, cut into pieces
– 3 eggs
– 150g caster sugar
– 60g self-raising flour
– Pinch of salt
Cook’s tip: Freeze the brownies for up to 3 months in a rigid container or freezer bag.

1- Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan oven 160°C, Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a rectangular baking tin measuring approximately 25 x 20cms.
2- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a large heatproof bowl positioned over a saucepan of gently simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3- Meanwhile, mash the Peruvian Hass avocado to a smooth puree using a fork.
4- Whisk the eggs and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and airy, then add the Peruvian Hass avocado puree and whisk again until smooth.
5- Add the flour and salt to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring gently until combined.
6- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 25 minutes in the centre of the oven.
7- Cool, then cut into 12 pieces.

Avocados are versatile: you can eat them mashed, diced or sliced. They are a healthy ingredient you can use in a plethora of summer dishes, on toast for breakfast, in cakes and even as a nutritious baby food – they are not just for making guacamole. Hass avocados are the most popular variety of avocado in the world – due to their creamy texture and nutty flavour. This variety can be easily identified by its purplish black colour and bumpy skin. Hass avocados from Peru are widely available in the UK from May until late September.