*  Exported from  MasterCook  *
 
                          Chocolate Espresso Bars
 
 Recipe By     : Laura Hunter
 Serving Size  : 24   Preparation Time :0:20
 Categories    : Cookies & Bars
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
                         Batter
      1/2  cup           flour
      1/3  cup           unsweetened cocoa powder
    2      tablespoons   plus 2 tsp. powdered instant espresso
      1/4  teaspoon      baking powder
      1/4  teaspoon      salt
      1/2  cup           unsalted butter -- cut into pieces
    1      cup           brown sugar -- packed
    1      teaspoon      vanilla
    2      large         eggs
      3/4  cup           pecans or walnuts -- chopped
                         Frosting
      1/4  cup           unsalted butter
      3/4  cup           semisweet chocolate chips
      1/3  cup           milk
      1/2  teaspoon      vanilla
      1/2  cup           confectioners' sugar
 
 Heat oven to 350.  Lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan.
 
 Mix flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder and salt.
 
 Heat butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until melted.  Remove from
 heat.  Stir in brown sugar and vanilla with a wooden spoon.  Add eggs, one at
 a time, beating well after each.
 
 Stir in flour mixture and nuts until blended.  Spread batter evenly in the
 prepared pan.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until edges pull away from the
 sides of the pan.  Cool on a wire rack.
 
 For frosting:  Melt butter and chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low
 heat (or microwave in a bowl on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every
 30 seconds.)  Stir in milk, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
  Refrigerate until cold, about 45 minutes.  When cold, beat with a whisk
 until pale and stiff.  Spread frosting on cooled bars.  Let set about 1 hour
 before cutting bars.
 
 
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Plain Text Version of This Recipe for Printing or Saving