orange brownies

A couple of my favorite authors publish in March.  They both have series that I am currently following.  I really like Mercy Thompson Hauptman who is one of Patricia Briggs characters.  And Mercy likes to bake, especially when she is stressed.  In the last book, there was a brownie that was described that had orange oil in it.  I cannot purchase my orange oil from Baba Yaga but I can make an orange brownie that is just yummy.  First try too.

These are a definitely going to be repeated.  But I am going to try different chocolate tomorrow just because I am wanting more chocolate in my life.  My taste buds want a chocolate milkshake.  My body and its reaction to inflammation do not.  I am trying to find a lovely compromise.

orange brownies

1/4 cup butter

6 tablespoons water

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon orange oil (optional)

1 egg

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon orange oil

6 tablespoon onyx cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Butter and flour an 8 x 8 inch baking pan.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a pot, put the water, 1/2 cup butter, and 2 ounces chocolate.  Bring to a boil and  stir until chocolate is melted.  Remove from heat and mix in in the flour and sugar.  Mix in the egg, sour cream, baking soda, salt, and optional orange oil.  The orange in the brownie will intensify the orange flavor.  Mix well.  Pour into the baking pan.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife stuck into them comes out clean and the brownies start to pull from the edge of the pan.

While the brownies are baking, make the buttercream.  In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.  Mix in the vanilla, orange oil, and 2 tablespoons milk.  The consistency of the frosting should be spreadable but thick.  Add more milk if needed.

When the brownies come out of the oven, let sit five minutes.  Frost while hot so the frosting can melt into the brownies.  Just like the book!

So good!  These did not last long.