Recipe: Orange and Brownies

ORANGE AND BROWNIES

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest (or 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules)
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup melted unsalted butter, divided use
2 1/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Icing (if desired)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Sift cocoa powder, baking soda and salt into a medium sized bowl; set aside.

Stir orange zest into boiling water (or dissolve coffee powder in it). Whisk in sugar and remaining butter until smooth. One at a time, beat in eggs and blend in vanilla. Stir in flour just until blended. Stir in walnuts if desired. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumb. Cool completely on wire rack.

If desired, ice with favorite homemade frosting (preferably tinted orange); decorate by drizzling melted chocolate over icing.

Makes 18 servings
Source: Best Ever Brownies: 76 Delicious Recipes By Joan Steuer and Rick Rodgers