Ms. Mofet's Mocha Brownies

[msmofet]

Ms. Mofet's Mocha Brownies

• 4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened bakers chocolate
• 2/3 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1.5 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I used white whole wheat)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 2 tsp Instant coffee powder - or to taste

(Glossy mocha frosting recipe below)

1. Heat oven to 350°F
2. Grease and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour so you don't have white sides or spray with Baker's Joy vegetable oil & flour cooking spray I used the spray); 13x9x2 pan.
3. Heat chocolate and shortening in large microwave safe glass bowl, microwave on high 1 minute at a time, stirring it after each minute, just till melted (be sure not to over heat* ).
4. Stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix in remaining ingredients.
6. Spread in pan.
7. Bake until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. About 30 minutes (or to 180°F DO NOT over bake), cool slightly (about 5 minutes); spread with frosting (recipe below).
8. Cool completely in pan; cut into bars.

Glossy mocha frosting:

• 3 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened bakers chocolate
• 3 TBSP butter flavored Shortening
• 2 c. powdered (confectioners superfine) sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
• 2 tsp Instant coffee powder - or to taste

1. Heat chocolate and shortening in large microwave safe glass bowl, microwave on high 1 minute at a time, stirring it after each minute, just till melted (be sure not to over heat*).
2. Stir in powdered sugar, instant coffee powder, salt, milk and vanilla; beat with hand mixer until smooth.
3. Place bowl of frosting in larger bowl of ice and water; continue beating until smooth and of spreading consistency.
4. Stir in nuts or sprinkle on top.

*Note: Be sure not to overheat or it will scorch and taste bitter. Or the oils will separate and break the chocolate.

[Selkie]

Those look absolutely delicious!

[msmofet]

Thank you. I could have gotten a neater looking brownie if I would've waited to cut them. LOL