CHOCOLATE-ESPRESSO BROWNIES
Using stencils to add powdered sugar designs is a great way to dress up the treats. 3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons hot water
5 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted, ground
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pan with foil, extending foil over 2 sides of pan. Butter foil and pan sides. Dissolve 2 tablespoons espresso powder in 2 tablespoons hot water in medium saucepan. Add chocolate and butter. Stir over low heat until melted.
Combine flour, nuts and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder in small bowl. Whisk 1 1/4 cups sugar, eggs and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Whisk in chocolate mixture, then flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool completely. Cover brownie and freeze 30 minutes.
Using foil as aid, lift brownie from pan. Peel off foil. Cut brownie into 2 x 1 1/4-inch diamonds. Mix 1 tablespoon espresso powder with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder in small bowl. Cover half of each brownie with parchment; sift cocoa powder mixture over brownies. Cover cocoa-dusted half of each brownie; sift powdered sugar over brownies. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Place in airtight container and freeze.) Serve at room temperature.
Makes about 38
*Gift Ideas*
Snowman Soup -- Get a nice big mug, doesn't have to be exspensive. Add a single serving pack of Kat's Coffees hot cocoa, a snack bag with either a peppermint stick, a chocolate covered spoon or a candy cane. Then add chocolate chips, Hersey's kisses and mini marshmellow. Wrap it up with something pretty and add a bow.
For the Cook -- A Pyrex shallow baking pan (available at most anywhere), a gift certificate to their favorite (gourmet) grocery store, a pack of Bronco Bob's Chipotle Grillin' & Dippin' sauce and a new set of cutlery. Wrap the whole thing up in box (make sure the pan is wrapped well) and viola!
For the Coffee Lover -- Get a basket, again doesn't have to be exspensive. Add a nice big coffee mug, a package of our Lady Walton cookies, 4 to 5 different flavors of our Perfect Pot size coffee flavors, 4 to 5 different flavors of our single serving creamers. Then add a CD of their favorite music and a good book. Arrange the items in your basket and add a bow. Perfect for the person who has everything and perfect for those chilly winter nights.
