Add that 'zing' to your Brownies.. :)

We all agree that brownies are sinfully delicious, right? Forget brownies for a sec, we are constantly looking for ways to spruce up a recipe. And here are few ways you can make your brownies better.

1. Add some salt - Toss some fleur de sel or salt into your brownies to get the extra crunch and the delightful salty-sweet combo. In fact, it is a good idea to always add some salt (about 1/4 of a teaspoon) while making sweet dishes. It brings out the whole flavor of the dessert.

2. Caffeinate them - Although coffee is not my most favorite flavor in the world, I have to agree when they say that a pinch of caffeine makes your chocolaty dessert light up. Add a tablespoon of strong, brewed coffee to the mix, and you'll enhance that rich chocolate flavor. For boxed mixes, swap in cooled coffee or espresso for water.

3. Make them Nutty - Any kind of nut is appropriate for a brownie, but why not make them spicy? You could just toss in a little cayenne if you're looking for a kick, or chipotle if you want something mild and smoky

4. Freeze them - Once they're baked and cooled to room temperature, put your brownies in the freezer. The cold gives them a toothsome texture similar to a firm nougat. (Note: Depending on the recipe, the brownie might need a minute or two to thaw to its chewiest best.)

5. Spice it up! - Add about a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon powder to your dry ingredients and you'll have a brownie's ode to Mexican hot chocolate.

6. Make them into a cream sandwich - Bake your brownies in a shallow rimmed baking sheet and cut them using cookie cutters. Sandwich a scoop of ice cream , whipped cream, custard cream etc. in between two "cookies."

7. Chill them before baking - After spreading the batter in a pan, refrigerate it for at least an hour or up to overnight. The end result will be brownies with extra-crisp edges and a moist, fudge-y center

8. Top them them with condiments - Raspberry jam, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, cream cheese... the swirl-in possibilities are endless. Warm the condiment first so it's more workable, then dollop spoonfuls of it on top of the prepared batter, which should already have been poured into your baking sheet. Lightly swirl the condiment using a toothpick or skewer--you want to see the shape at the surface of the batter.

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