Gift-Wrapped Brownies
Country Woman Christmas
With bright green and red frosting "ribbon" piped on top, these chocolaty "packages" are a pretty addition to any holiday gathering. They'll make a sweet gift for everyone on your Christmas list!
SERVINGS: 30
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 4 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet baking chocolate
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Red and green food coloring
Directions:
In a microwave, melt shortening and chocolate; stir until smooth. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add the flour, nuts, salt, baking powder and chocolate mixture.
Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into 2-in. x 1-in. rectangles; remove from pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, cream and remaining vanilla until smooth; set half aside. Spread remaining frosting over top of brownies. Tint half of the reserved frosting red and half green.
Cut a small hole in the corner of two plastic or pastry bags; fill one bag with red frosting and one with green. Insert pastry tip if desired. To decorate, pipe ribbon and bows on brownies or create designs of your choice. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.