Flag Special Old Fashioned Brownies

There's nothing like a pan of quintessential good old fashioned brownies to add to your 4th of July celebration. Enjoy the day!

Cook's notes: This recipe comes from Taste of Home Magazine. It's so easy to put together using only one bowl for preparation. Some optional add-ins include: nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles and Kahlua or Amaretto. The frosting is enough for 2 pans (8 x 8) of brownies. Freeze half and next go around you are all set! How good is that.
Brownie Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/3 cup baking cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup mini or regular semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1 TB. Kahlua or Amaretto

Brownie Directions:

• Line a 8 x 8 glass pan with foil that has been greased. Make sure edges of foil extend over the sides and corners are creased inwards. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl beat sugar, eggs and vanilla for 3-5 minutes to increase the volume. Beat in melted butter with Kahlua or Amaretto if using, mix well.
• With a whisk combine the flour, salt, cocoa espresso powder and baking powder. Add to butter/egg/sugar mixture and mix well 
• Fold in nuts and chips,pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of center clean.
• Cool brownies in pan for 10 minutes, then use foil edges to lift brownies out and place foiled brownies on a wire rack to cool. 

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 TB. Kahlua or Amaretto

Frosting Directions:

• In a saucepan add milk, sugar, butter and chips.
• Over medium heat bring to a boil stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes
• Remove pan from stove, stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Use a mixer and beat until smooth, add more milk if necessary for correct consistency.
• Add in Kahlua or Amaretto if using.