Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH PEANUT BUTTER TOPPING

Category: Brownies/Blondies

Brownies
2/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts

Peanut Butter Topping:
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sifted confectioners sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon table cream
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Chocolate Topping:
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

For the brownies; In a heavy saucepan bring butter, sugar and water to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly until the butter is melted and sugar is dissolved (about 3 minutes) remove from heat and stir in 2 cups chocolate chips until melted then vanilla; cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl whisk eggs until blended then add into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, beating or whisking until thoroughly combined.

Add in flour, baking soda and salt; add to the egg/chocolate mixture; mix to combine. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and chopped peanuts. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes (do not over bake). Cool completely.

For peanut butter topping; in a bowl beat peanut butter with 1/4 cup butter using an electric mixer until well combined. Add in powdered sugar, pinch salt, nutmeg, cream and vanilla; beat until smooth and blended. Spread over cooled brownies.

For chocolate topping; in a saucepan combine the chocolate with 1/4 cup butter; cook stirring over low heat until smooth (this can also be done in the microwave). Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the peanut butter ganache, then spread out to cover. Chill about 2 hours or until set. Cut into squares.