Wednesday, October 5, 2011

My first non-baby post

I want to start posting about more things.  So I figured the first non-baby post would be something that I love to do...bake!


I like to bake desserts, eat a little bit, and send the rest with Nick to work.  That way I can satisfy my cravings and not feel bad.  (The biggest reason for this is because my sweet husband does NOT like dessert, or most sweets, so I don't get to have fun and bake tons of stuff for him to enjoy)


This week it was Orange Brownies.  I got the recipe from my USAFA Mitch's Cookbook I got when Nick graduated from USAFA.  I saw the recipe and immediately wanted to put a little Halloween twist to it, since this is my favorite time of the year. :)


Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. flour
2 C. sugar
1 t. salt
1 C. (2 sticks) butter, softened
4 eggs
2 t. pure orange extract
1 t. grated orange zest

(I completely forgot to add the eggs to this picture-and I blame pregnancy brain-lol)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 13x9x2 inch pan.
3. Stir together flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
4. Add eggs, butter, orange extract, and orange zest.  




5. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until well blended.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until light golden brown and set. 


7. Remove from oven, allow to cool and pierce entire cake with a fork.
8. Spread the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting over completely cooled brownies; cut into squares. (I cut the brownies first).

Ingredients for the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pkg. ( oz.) cream cheese, softened
4 T. softened butter
1 lb. box powdered sugar
2 T. orange zest
2 T. orange juice
(I also added a little orange food coloring to make the brownies more seasonal)

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese together with a handheld electric mixer.
2. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until it's all combined and smooth; beat in the orange zest and juice.
3. Spread over the brownies.










They were very tasty!  I have a ton of icing left though, and honestly, I enjoyed the brownies without the icing more.  (I'm not an icing fan).


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