Today I have sweets on my mind: The Epic Brownie and rum-soaked dates.

When a recipe for the Epic Brownie popped up in an email address line I couldn’t resist taking a look. What could possible elevate a pan of brownies to heroic status?

Was it the pound of dark chocolate? Three sticks of butter? A can of dulce de leche? Yes, yes and yes. All of those ingredients plus an extra measure of salt, some cocoa powder, chocolate chips, coffee granules and chopped nuts. The resulting combination was an amazingly fudgy, gooey treat with a salted-caramel flavor note. I hate to admit this, but these brownies are a step above the ordinary and so addictive. When you make them, and you will, have a plan for getting them out of the house quickly.

Here are a few of cook’s notes.

I used a Callebaut dark chocolate I picked up at Whole Foods Market. Dulce de leche is a carmel-like mixture that is popular in South American-style cooking. I found cans of Nestle brand La Lechera dulce de leche in the Hispanic section at Safeway. I toasted black walnuts before roughly chopping them for the recipe. I prefer the flavor of black walnuts in brownies and toasting enhances their flavor and texture.

Ready for guilding the lily? As if a small square of Epic Brownies is not enough dessert, add a rum-soaked date to the plate for an even more decadent finish to the meal. This recipe idea comes from Bonnie Powers, who keeps a dish of drunken dates in her fridge at all times.

It’s so easy it’s silly. In a bowl, cover a package of big, fat Medjool dates with good quality rum. Cover the bowl and store in refrigerator for about three weeks. The dates will soak up the rum, giving them the most buttery, smooth texture and delicious flavor. Think of them as adult candy. The dates will keep for months, if they’re not finished sooner. Look for the Natural Delights brand of dates. I found mine at King Soopers.

The Epic BrownieMakes 12-24

Ingredient:1 pound dark chocolate, chopped3 sticks unsalted butter13 ounce can dulce de leche1 cup sugar1 tablespoon vanilla6 eggs1 2/3 cups all purpose flour1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder2 1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon instant coffee granules1 cup chocolate chips1 cup chopped nuts (or could be toffee bits, crushed oreos, mint chips, etc.)

Source: aspicyperspective.com and villeroy_blog_brownies