TNT Mocha Brownies

[msmofet]

Mocha Brownies

4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened bakers chocolate
2/3 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Instant coffee powder - to taste

(Glossy mocha frosting recipe below)

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour so you don't have white sides; 13x9x2 pan. Heat chocolate 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 or it will scorch and taste bitter. Or the oils will separate and break the chocolate). Stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Mix in remaining ingredients. Spread in pan. Bake until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. About 30 minutes. (Don not over bake) cool slightly; spread with frosting (recipe below). Cool completely ; cut into bars.

Glossy mocha frosting

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

Heat chocolate 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 or it will scorch and taste bitter. Or the oils will separate and break the chocolate). Stir in powdered sugar, instant coffee powder, salt, milk and vanilla; beat with hand mixer until smooth. Place bowl of frosting in larger bowl of ice and water; continue beating until smooth and of spreading consistency. Stir in nuts.