BROWNIE OBSESSION

FOR THE CHOCOLATE FUDGE SAUCE:
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
6 ounces plain chocolate, chopped into small pieces
2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2/3 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
FOR THE BROWNIES:
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
2 bars (4 ounces total) unsweetened chocolate baking bars, broken into pieces
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
TO SERVE:
vanilla ice cream
chopped pecans

TO PREPARE THE CHOCOLATE FUDGE SAUCE:
Heat the cream with the butter and sugar in a bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until smooth, then let cool.

Add the chocolate to the cream mixture. Stir over simmering water until it is melted and thoroughly combined. If using the brandy, stir in a little at a time, then cool to room temperature.

TO PREPARE THE CARAMEL SAUCE:
In a saucepan combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Add whipping cream and margarine or butter. Bring mixture to boiling, stirring constantly. Then reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Cover and cool. Chill in the refrigerator till serving time. (Mixture will thicken as it chills.) Stir sauce before serving.

TO PREPARE THE BROWNIES:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13x9-inch baking pan.

Microwave sugar, butter, and water in large microwave-safe bowl in high (100% power) for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture bubbles, stirring once. Remove from heat. Add baking bars; stir until melted.

Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

TO SERVE:
Place a brownie in a shallow bowl. Top with chocolate sauce. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle caramel sauce over the ice cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Makes 2 dozen brownies
Adapted from source: Norwich Free Academy, The Brickview Inn

TGI Friday's Menu Description:
BROWNIE OBSESSION
A warm brownie covered in Ghirardelli chocolate-fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and pecans.