Cherry Cordial Brownies

Yield: 36 bars

Ingredients

Brownies

• 4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 3/4 cup butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Frosting

• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 to 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

Glaze

• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Brownies

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter or margarine, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
3. Place sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add melted chocolate and vanilla extract; stir until blended.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to chocolate mixture; stir just until blended.
6. Stir in nuts.
7. Spread batter in prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until done. Do not over-bake.
9. Cool completely.

Frosting

1. In small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, butter and cherry juice. Beat until smooth.
2. Stir in remaining cherry juice, 1 teaspoon at a time until of desired spreading consistency. Spread over cooled brownies.

Glaze

1. In small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Or place chocolate chips and butter in a micro-safe container. Microwave at MEDIUM (50% power) for 1 minute or until chocolate is melted; stir to blend.
2. Stir in vanilla extract. Cool slightly.
3. Drizzle chocolate mixture over cherry frosting.
4. Store in the refrigerator.