red velvet brownies

I saw these brownies in the December issue of Southern Living and I wanted to make them for Christmas but, I just never had the opportunity.  I clipped out the recipe and I held on to it knowing it would be a perfect Valentine's Day treat.  We did not really celebrate Valentine's Day when it was just the two of us but, now that we have the kids it gives new meaning to the holiday.  We can get fun and corny with it and exchange little tokens of love.   I have been explaining to Carter that red, pink, hearts, cupids, flowers, love etc. are all associated with Valentine's Day.  These brownies are the perfect way to kick off the celebration and let the kids help in the kitchen.  They are a spin on the oh so popular red velvet Valentine's day cake.  They were such a treat tonight for the kids and apparently they are a treat that keeps on giving back because I am finding red velvet crumbs all over the house.  Red velvet is fun to eat, pretty to look at but, not so fun to get out of the carpet.  Maybe it is payback from the brownies for being so easy to make.  The brownies mix up in one bowl.  They are thick and moist with a cake like texture. The cream cheese frosting compliments the base perfectly and I think white chocolate curls on top would take these to a new level of decadence.  These are so simple there is no reason not to make a Valentine's batch for your sweetie(s).

red velvet brownies

source: southern living

• 1  (4-oz.) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 3/4  cup  butter
• 2  cups  sugar
• 4  large eggs
• 1 1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1  (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread cream cheese frosting on top of brownies, and cut into 16 squares. Garnish with white chocolate curls or sprinkles, if desired.
 

cream cheese frosting

source: southern living

• 1  (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 3  tablespoons  butter, softened
• 1 1/2  cups  powdered sugar
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.