Double Chocolate Almond Brownies

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F, or as specified on brownie box. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. I use a square cupcake pan.

Step 2: Grate almond paste into a medium bowl, using the large hole side of grater. If your almond paste is very moist, you can put it in the freezer or refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to grate.

Step 3: Add dry brownie mix, flour, and chocolate chips to almond paste. Combine using a wooden spoon. Make sure the almond paste is well incorporated, using your fingers if needed.

Step 4: In a separate bowl beat together the eggs, oil and water as called for on brownie box.

Step 5: Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with spoon until well mixed.

Step 6: Spread batter into pan and bake according to time listed on brownie mix box, adding 2 to 3 minutes. Approximately 27-29 minutes for 13 x 9 pan or 30-33 minutes for 2 1/2 inch square cupcakes. To determine doneness, the brownies should start pulling away from the sides of the pan, and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist with crumbly-looking crumbs on it.

Step 7: Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.