Slim Palate: Paleo Chewy Fudge Brownies

I really didn't think it was possible to make Paleo baked goods that actually taste good.  There's just something about flour and sugar that can't be replicated no matter how fancy you get with your alternative sources.  But I have to say, these brownies come really, really close.  They're not quite as dense and chewy as a regular brownie...more light and tender, but they're every bit as satisfying.

Paleo Chewy Fudge Brownies
From Slim Palate blog

½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup tapioca starch or tapioca flour
¼ cup cassava flour (or substitute tapioca starch or flour)
1 pound chocolate, chopped (semisweet or dark up to 85%, depending on desired sweetness)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup coconut sugar
Cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple inches paper overhang on all sides.

In a small bowl mix together the baking soda, salt, tapioca starch, and cassava flour (or tapioca starch or flour).

Place a medium heatproof bowl on top of a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water. Add the chocolate and butter to the bowl and wait patiently while they melt, stirring often, until it is completely smooth. Carefully remove the bowl from atop the simmering pot of water and let the mixture cool slightly.

In a large bowl with a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs, vanilla, and sugar until the mixture begins to turn to a pale tan and thickens, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the flour mixture, switch to a spoon, and beat just until incorporated. Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the mixture while stirring. Mix until everything is completely incorporated and smooth.

Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25 minutes, until the top looks dry, shiny, and cracked. Let it cool completely before cutting into 2-inch squares. If desired, dust with cocoa powder.

Makes 18 to 24 brownies