Texas Brownies

Yesterday was Arnold's birthday!  He's a big chocolate fan... whenever dessert is an option (not a lot because he doesn't like sweets much) he chooses the chocolate option.  Much to the chagrin of his vanilla/fruit/peanut butter loving lover (me). 

I'm a bit obsessed with this picture

So when I wanted to make him dessert, I of course chose chocolate, but not CHOCOLATE chocolate. 

I don't like dark chocolate, and I don't really love chocolate like most ladies I know.  When I was little I remember getting a cupcake at church topped with a chocolate bar and being disgusted and giving it to my mom before we even sat down.  I was a strange kid.  I didn't like macaroni and cheese or pizza...  Most likely because those were my brother's favorite foods. 

So these brownies are almost subtly chocolate, but definitely chocolate.  They're light and fluffy with a rich frosting that you literally pour on, and it melts in your mouth.  My coworker even said it was the best thing he had ever put in his mouth.  Kind of awkward... but I'll take it! 

I know it's a gem because my brother wrote on Instagram, "Are those the brownies mom used to make??"  Yup. He remembers.  These are one of the few desserts I remember having around on a regular basis.  They are comforting beyond belief, and they taste exactly how I remember my mom making them.  Even though I cut out some of the sugar.  Honestly... 2 cups is too much.  I'm sorry.  Settle down. 

Ahem, so here's the recipe!  Let me know if you like these, they are truly a family recipe. 

Texas Brownies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup dark, unsweetened cocoa

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. In a microwave safe dish, combine butter, shortening, coffee or water, and cocoa. Microwave on High power for 2 minutes or just until boiling. Pour boiling mixture over flour mixture. Stir to blend. Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into a greased 17- x 11-inch jelly roll pan.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until brownies test done in the center.

Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1/4 cup milk

3 1/2 cups unsifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a microwave safe bowl, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes, stirring once. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir to blend. Pour over cooled brownies.