Printable | Taste of Home

Gift-Wrapped Brownies

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

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.

Printed from tasteofhome.com Jul 25, 2008

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Gift-Wrapped Brownies cont.

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.