-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Butter and flour an 8x8 square baking pan.
-
In a medium saucepan, combine fine-quality dark chocolate and butter. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
-
Allow mixture to cool for about 3 minutes, then add sugar and vanilla and whisk until combined.
-
Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mixture should be smooth and glossy.
-
Stir in salt and flour until combined.
-
Stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed. (optional)
-
Pour half of batter into pan and spread evenly.
-
Get caramel pieces and spread evenly across surface of batter.
-
Cover caramel with remaining batter.
-
Get pecan halves and create a heart shape for each brownie, overlapping the bottom tips and pressing slightly into the batter.
-
Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until toothpick comes out with crumbs (not goo).
-
Cool brownies completely before cutting into squares.