Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownies
Southern Living, DECEMBER 2010

These taste AMAZING! Once I saw this recipe in Southern Living, I had to try it!! They are great for people, like me, that have a strong sweet-tooth! They may be a little too rich for the average person.

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

* 1 (4-oz.) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
* 3/4 cup butter
* 2 cups sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting
* Garnish: white chocolate curls

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.

2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350° for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).

4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies, and cut into 16 squares. Garnish, if desired.

Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

* 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
* 3 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.