Amaretto Brownes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:

•Brownies:
•1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
•1 cup shortening
•2 cups granulated sugar
•4 eggs, beaten
•2 Tablespoons amaretto liqueur

•Amaretto Icing:
•1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons or 1/2 stick) butter
•2 Tablespoons half-and-half
•Dash salt
•1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
•2 cups sifted powdered sugar
•2 Tablespoons amaretto (almond-flavored) liqueur
•1/4 cup sliced almonds


Preparation:
For the Brownies:
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil.

Whisk together salt and flour in a large bowl. Set aside.

Place chocolate squares and shortening in the top of a double-boiler. (May be done carefully in the microwave, if you wish.) Stir constantly while heating until combined. Stir in sugar and remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes.

When chocolate is cool, whisk in eggs, flour mixture, and amaretto until well-combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Cool brownies to room temperature before frosting.

For the Amaretto Icing:
Melt butter and chocolate in the top of a double-boiler or microwave, stirring to combine. Whisk in half-and-half, then add powdered sugar, salt, and amaretto. Blend well.

Frost cooled brownies with the icing and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Let icing set, then cut to serve.

Yield: 36 to 48 brownies, depending on cut size