Shelly's Recipe

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE BROWNIES WITH SALTED PEANUTS

Category: Brownies/Blondies

Brownies
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
3 1/2 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cups sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Frosting
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter (do not use natural or old-fashioned)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
6 tbsp powdered sugar
1/16 tsp salt (tiny, tiny pinch)
1/2 tbsp whole milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ganache
5 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp butter, unsalted

Brownies: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325. Line an 8 inch baking pan with foil, leaving long overhang; butter foil. Place butter and both chocolates in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds; Stir and repeat until mixture is hot and smooth. Whisk in sugar, vanilla and salt, then add eggs, at a time. Fold in flour, then nuts. Spread in prepared pan and bake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 25 minutes. Place pan on rack; cool.

Frosting: Beat the peanut butter and the 2 tbsp of butter in medium bowl to blend. Beat in confectioners sugar and salt, then milk and vanilla. Spread frosting over brownies. Chill for about an hour to set frosting (this makes spreading the chocolate easier).

Ganache: Place chocolate and the 2 tbsp of reserved butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until smooth. Drop ganache all over frosting; spread to cover. Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours.

Using foil as aid, transfer brownie cake to work surface; cut into squares. Bring to room temperature; serve. Makes 15 brownies