Tis the season to bake brownies...

Technique

1. Preheat the oven to 150 C and line a 9” square tin with greaseproof paper.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together for 30 seconds in the microwave, and stir between each 30-second burst. Leave to cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together your sugar and eggs, just to bring them together (not foam). Then add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs and sugar and gently combine.
4. Sieve in your flour and cocoa powder and gently combine (now is the time to fold in your chocolate chips if you’re going for reindeer brownies).
5. Pour the brownie mix into your lined tin and push the desired filling into the mixture (chocolate orange pieces or Malteser reindeer). Don’t forget to make sure each piece of brownie has equal amounts of yummy filling, then use a spatula to cover over the added pieces.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes (depending on your oven this may take more or less time; use a skewer to check the batter is cooked, it shouldn’t be completely clean but not like melted chocolate. You’re looking for wet crumbs).
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. While still warm add your chosen toppings so they melt slightly and stick to the brownie. Leave the tray to cool before transferring it to the fridge.

Top tip: Allow to chill for 1-4 hours (the longer you leave it the fudgier they’ll become!