Brownie Extravaganza

I woke up this morning and I just wanted to bake, so that’s what I did. Below are my two favorite brownie recipes.

These chocolate brownies will be world famous after this blog hits the big time.

Glossy Chocolate Brownies
Brownies:
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2/3 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 self rising flour
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate and shortening in large saucepan (one that’s tough enough to take a beating with a hand mixer) over low heat. Remove from heat. Mix in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in greased 13x9x2 pan. Bake 30 minutes, or until knife comes out clean.

Icing:
3 tablespoons shortening
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt shortening and chocolate in saucepan (one that’s tough enough to take a beating with a hand mixer) over low heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; beat until smooth. Place pan of frosting in bowl of ice; continue beating until of spreading consistency. Spread frosting over warm brownies. Allow frosting to set and cut into squares.

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These peanut butter brownies aren't too shabby either.

Peanut Butter Brownies
Brownies:
3 eggs
1 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 self rising flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Filling:
2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, butter and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Spread remaining batter into a greased 13x9x2 pan.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar until smooth. Add egg and milk, beating on low until combined. Carefully spread over batter. Drop reserved batter by tablespoonfuls over filling. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Allow to cool then cut into squares.

Enjoy!