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

Brownie Mallow Bars

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
35 Min

Ready In:
50 Min

Ingredients

• 1 (19.8 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
• 1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips ( 1 1/2 C chocolate chips)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

Directions

1. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Pour into greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 28-30 minutes. Top with marshmallows; bake 3 minutes longer (marshmallows will not be completely melted). Cool on a wire rack.
2. In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal. Spread over brownies. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm before cutting.