Simple Cocoa Brownies

I served these cake-like Cocoa Brownies last night after dinner to my family and friends. You should have seen the light saber duel that took place in my kitchen over the last brownie! My husband lost to an 8-year old Jedi Knight who was a master in the ways of the force.

I will admit, I'm disappointed that there's not even one small, chewy corner leftover for my afternoon snack.

HERE'S ALL IT TAKES

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350ºF degrees. Line bottom of 8x8 inch nonstick pan with wax paper.  Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Beat sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed.  Stir in remaining ingredients until moistened.  Spread batter evenly in pan. 

Bake 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 10-15 minutes, flip onto serving dish, remove wax liner, then allow to cool completely.

FEELING FANCY FROSTING

• 1 square of white chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon shortening for EACH chocolate

Put chocolates in separate bowls and add 1/2 teaspoon shortening to each.  Microwave on medium power (70%) for 50-60 seconds, until melted.  If it seems too thick to pipe, add a smidgen more shortening.

Use a small freezer bag as your piping bag, fill one corner with melted white chocolate, remove any air and twist tight.  Snip a very small hole at the corner.  It's better to start very small and snip more if needed.  Drizzle, squiggle, straight lines, swirly loops...just have fun with it!  Do the same with the other melted chocolate.