Rum and Raisin Chocolate Brownies

Makes: 18 pieces
Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 25 – 30 mins

Ingredients:
1 cup (150g) raisins
¼ cup rum
125g butter
100g eating quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces
2/3 cup (150g) brown sugar
1/3 cup (50g) plain flour
1/3 cup (35g) good quality cocoa
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup (40g) shredded coconut (optional)
Icing sugar, to dust (optional)

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Line the base of an 18 x 28 cm cake tin with baking paper.
2. Heat the rum and the raisins together in a small saucepan over medium heat (or in the microwave) just until the rum comes to the boil, then set aside to plump up for at least 10 minutes.
3. Melt butter, chocolate and brown sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until well combined.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sifted flour, cocoa, baking soda, eggs and cooled raisins.
5. Pour into the prepared tin, top with shredded coconut and bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until firm and a knife inserted in the centre comes out cleanly.
6. Leave in tin to cool a little for 10 minutes and then cut in half lengthwise and then across to make 18 rectangles.