Simple Brownies

Makes: 4 dozen | Hands on time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr. 56 min including frosting

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

1 (40z) unsweetened chocolate baking bar, chopped

3/4 cup butter

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes until lightly toasted.

2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave - safe bowl at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar and eggs until well blended. Stir in four. Spread batter into a greased 13 x 9- inch pan.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until wood pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

4. If using icing - ice when warm and sprinkle with pecans cool for 1 hour on rack.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

Makes: 2 cups | Time: 10 minutes

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup milk

6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

1 (16-oz) package powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cook first 3 ingredients over medium heat in large saucepan, stirring constantly, 4-5 minutes or until butter melts. Remove from heat, and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

TWIST
Mississippi Mud Brownies: Prepare recipe as directed through step 3. Sprinkle with warm brownies with toasted pecans adn 3 cups miniature marshmallows. Prepare chocolate frosting as directed and pour over pecans and marshmallows. Cool 1 hour on wire rack.

from Southern Living April 2011