Fudgy Brownies with Chocolate-Orange Glaze

Yield: 9 large brownies

Ingredients

Brownies

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup broken pecans or walnuts

Chocolate-Orange Glaze

• 1/3 cup whipping cream
• 3 ounces finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Brownies

1. In a medium saucepan melt unsweetened chocolate with the butter or margarine.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in sugar, eggs, orange zest and vanilla extract. Using a wooden spoon, lightly beat the mixture just until combined.
4. Stir in the flour and nuts.
5. Spread the batter in an ungreased 8 inch square baking pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
7. Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.

Chocolate-Orange Glaze

1. In a small heavy saucepan, bring whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Add chocolate and orange zest.
4. Let stand for 1 minute.
5. Using a wire whisk or wooden spoon, stir mixture until chocolate is melted.
6. Cool for 5 minutes before using.
7. Pour Chocolate-Orange Glaze over cooled brownies, spreading as necessary to glaze top evenly.
8. Let stand at room temperature until glaze is set.