Linda Nodine (Business and Administration) won first place for desserts in this year’s LITS Chili Cook-off and Dessert Bake-off. She has graciously provided her award-winning recipe below:
For the Brownies:
½ C sugar
1/3 C butter
2 T water
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 t vanilla
2 eggs
¾ C flour
¼ t baking powder
¼ t salt
½ C chopped pecans
¼ C bourbon
For the Frosting:
1 ½ C powdered sugar
3 T butter, softened
¼ t vanilla
3 T milk
2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted in microwave
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and water. Cook and stir constantly until boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate and vanilla. Mix well and then add the eggs.
Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and stir flour mixture into saucepan mixture until totally blended. Stir in nuts. Spread evenly in a greased 8×8 inch square pan. (I sprayed the pan with butter-flavored Pam.)
Bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Do not over bake-should still be soft. Using a toothpick or the tines of a fork, poke lots of holes in the brownies while still hot. Drizzle the bourbon over the brownies with a spoon. Allow to completely cool for an hour.
Make frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk for spreading consistency. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time! Frost, then drizzle with melted chocolate. Allow to set completely before slicing.
Enjoy!