Nuts Over Chocolate

This recipe isn't for the squimish!  Let's be honest...it's fudge with a little brownie.  I also threw in some pecans that Mimi gave us over Christmas.  And yes...I used our china for a little tea party.

Brownies

1/2 c butter, softened
1 c white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c + 1 tbl cake flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 c chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 8 in square pan.  Mix butter and sugar until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla.  Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Spread batter in pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

5 oz semi-sweet chocolate
3 tbl unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbl hot water
1 stick butter
3-4 c powdered sugar
chopped pecans

Melt semi-sweet chocolate.  Create paste with cocoa powder and hot water.  Using a mixer, beat together melted chocolate, paste, and butter until smooth.  Add powdered sugar until it reaches the consistency you desire.  Fold in chopped pecans.