Mexican Rhubarb Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Ingredients:

For the rhubarb compote:

• 1 cup rhubarb, strings removed, cut in ½ inch slices
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the brownie batter:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 - 2 teaspoons New Mexico chile powder (not basic chile powder)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocoate
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon dark rum
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• Shortening spray for baking dish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the rhubarb compote:  

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring rhubarb, water and sugar to a boil.  When sugar is dissolved, lower heat to a simmer and cook until rhubarb is soft, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool slightly.  Puree in a blender until smooth, if necessary.  The rhubarb should break down to smooth compote.
To make the brownie batter:  

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, Chile powder, cinnamon and salt.  Set aside.  In a clean microwavable glass bowl, melt bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate together in the microwave at 50 percent or in a double boiler.  Set aside.
Cream together butter and sugar on medium speed.  Add the eggs, one at a time, combining well.  Add in the vanilla and rum.  Stir the rhubarb into the chocolate mixture, then add to the batter.  Mix until combined.  Add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated.  Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and walnuts.  Do not over mix.  Spray and 8 x 8 x 2-inch clear glass baking dish with shortening spray.  Line the bottom with parchment paper, then spray parchment.  Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth on top.  Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes.  Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.  Cut into squares and serve.

*recipe by Guy Fieri