Halloween Countdown Begins!

It is October 1 and the Halloween countdown begins!

Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing seasonal things to do, scary trivia, recipes, and more. So whether you’re looking for something special for a party or just a seasonal treat, here’s a delicious recipe for Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies. Yum!

1 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate morsels

1 oz. unsweetened chocolate baking squares (chopped)

15 oz. can of pumpkin

1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

2/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter

3 large eggs

1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350. Heat chocolate morsels, chocolate squares, and butter in double boiler. Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat for five minutes or until melted. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once melted and cool for about ten minutes.

Whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in large bowl. Slowly add chocolate mixture and cool for about ten minutes.

Grease a 13 x 9″ baking pan with butter or spray. Line bottom and sides with parchment paper extending an inch or so past the edge of pan. Grease parchment paper with butter and flour.

In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Pour the batter into the pan but save out one cup.

Whisk pumpkin,eggs, cream, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour this batter on top of batter already in the pan. Top this batter with the one cup brownie mix held in reserve. Swirl batter three or four times in one direction and again for the same number of times in the opposite direction using a knife, spoon, or spatula.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until done. Cool for two hours and then lift parchment paper out of pan. Cut brownies into two dozen squares or whatever size you desire. Be sure to remove parchment paper. It will come off easily if you have greased it accordingly.

Note: Brownies can be made a day ahead of time and store in refrigerator. If you choose to make in advance, be sure not to cut the brownies until you are ready to remove from refrigerator to serve. Cut while still cold for best results. Pumpkin candies or candy corn can be placed on top of each square as decoration (optional).

Don’t forget that if you click on my HINTS FOR HALLOWEEN, you will find hundreds of decorating tips, spooktacular recipes, and party planning suggestions.

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