One bite of these moist chewy brownies iced with a creamy chocolate pecan frosting and you'll be glad the family didn't keep these brownies to themselves down on the farm.

Farm Family Brownies

1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Chocolate Nut Frosting:
2 squares (1 ounces each) unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup butter
2 3/4 cups confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons hot water
1 cup pecans, chopped

1. In a small saucepan, add cocoa, water and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until butter melts and cocoa dissolves. Remove from heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in cocoa mixture; mix until smooth. Mix in eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Pour batter into a lightly buttered 9x13 inch baking pan.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and brownies pull away from side of pan. Do not overbake. Cool completely. Spread with Chocolate Nut Frosting; cut into squares.
4. Chocolate Nut Frosting: In a large saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons hot water. Beat until smooth, adding more water if needed. Stir in pecans.

Makes 34 brownies.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.