Fall into Fat Flavor

Each day this season, a recipe appears in my inbox. Many of them are Southern Living recipes, which are always winners in my book. (You can sign up for yourself here! Just click on the box next to Cookie Countdown.)

I do believe Friday's recipe pegged the meter for decadent delight. Although I haven't made it, I can tell by reading the recipe that this one is a winner. Of course, the 5 star rating was a slight clue as well! One of those who rated it, named Jeff, said "This brownie recipe is incredible. I made it for Christmas and by the end of January have already made them two more times. People ask for them now when they see me. The prep is relatively simple and about 20 min is correct. The combination of ingredients makes them extra decadent and pleasing to even the most discerning sweet tooth. Highly recommended.

Besides the requisite butter, it contains chocolate (2 different types in 3 different places!), pecans, coconut, and the creme-de-la-creme of all baking lusciousness: sweetened condensed milk. Why evaporate it when you can condense it all in one place?!

So for your gastronomic pleasure, I present:

CARAMEL-COCONUT-PECAN BROWNIESPrep: 20 min., Bake: 55 min.
Yield: Makes 32 brownies
4 (1-ounce) unsweetened chocolate baking squares
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1) Microwave chocolate squares in a microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50% power) 1 1/2 minutes, stirring at 30-second intervals until melted. Stir until smooth.

2) Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add melted chocolate, beating just until blended.

3) Add flour, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla and chocolate morsels. Spread batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch pan. Sprinkle batter evenly with coconut, 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels, and chopped pecans. Drizzle evenly with sweetened condensed milk.

4) Bake at 350° for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown and center is set. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Source: myrecipes.com and Southern Living, DECEMBER 2005

Thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for hosting this recipe sharing feast! Bring one of yours and share it here!