Fudge Brownies

I kept searching, but to no avail. I worked on my own recipe, but making brownies without dairy, soy, gluten, and, most of all, eggs is not easy! Granted, there were recipes out there that called themselves brownies, but they were really just mini cupcakes. A chewy, moist brownie with a nice crusty, glossy top remained elusive. Until now, that is. Yup, that's right, after years of trying, I've finally baked it--an honest-to-goodness allergen-free, gluten-free, vegan tray of real brownies. Go ahead, I dare you, try eating just one.

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped into centimeter-size pieces (a serrated knife works best for this)

1/2 cup dairy-free, soy-free vegetable shortening

2 cups granulated sugar

2 (4- to 5-ounce) jars prune purée or apple plum purée (baby food)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

13/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix

1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum

1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder

11/2 cups dairy-free, soy-free chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 by 9-inch baking pan, then sprinkle with a little gluten-free flour mix, tapping out any extra.

2. Combine the unsweetened chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave, stopping to check and stir every 30 seconds. (Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and shortening in a double boiler.) Once melted, stir in the sugar and prune purée. Mix well, add the vanilla, and beat until smooth.

3. Whisk together the flour mix, xanthan gum, and baking powder. Add to the chocolate mixture in three batches, stirring well after each addition. Beat until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Spread the batter in the prepared pan, smoothing down the top with the back of a rubber spatula or large spoon. Bake in the center of the oven for 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Bake until the top looks glossy and the brownie is just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.

5. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares. Remove from the pan and enjoy. Store in an airtight container.