BROWNIES with YUMMY ICING ON TOP

Brownies with chocolate chunks. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BROWNIES INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter, cubed
3/4 cup baking cocoa
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups cold 2% milk, divided
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/2 cups whipped topping
 Chocolate curls optional decorations

METHOD:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in cocoa until smooth. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla for 1 minute. Gradually add flour and salt. Stir in cocoa mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and, if desired, nuts.
2. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Add pudding mix and remaining milk; beat for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in extract; fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate until set.
4. Makes approximately 30 Brownies.
   
   Recipe originally published as "Snowcapped Brownies" in 'Country Woman's Association' Christmas Annual 2009, p57