Chocolate brownies enhanced with bran with a coffee-flavored frosting.

Mocha & Bran Brownies

Brownies:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup crushed oat bran flakes cereal
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Mocha Frosting:

2 1/2 tablespoons softened butter
2 teaspoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon strong coffee
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.
2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate chips and butter. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until chips are melted and smooth when stirred; if necessary, microwave at HIGH additional 20 seconds. Stir in sugar until blended; add eggs and vanilla, beating until well blended.
3. In medium bowl, stir together cereal and water; let stand several minutes. Gradually stir chocolate mixture into bran mixture.
4. Stir together flour, instant coffee, salt and baking soda; stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in nuts.
5. Spread batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or just until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
7. Prepare Mocha Frosting: In small mixer bowl, beat butter and cocoa. Stir together powdered sugar, coffee and vanilla; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until of spreading consistency. Frost brownes. Cut into squares.

Makes about 16 squares.