Aztec Brownies

Description

Cinnamon and almond make these cake-like brownies extra special.

Ingredients

Brownies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup butter OR margarine
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Cinnamon, Ground Saigon
• 1/4 teaspoon Spice Islands Nutmeg, Ground
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands Almond Extract

Icing

• 1/2 cup butter OR margarine
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands Almond Extract
• 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º F.

To make brownies:
Combine flour and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.  Bring cocoa, butter and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour hot mixture over flour and sugar; stir to mix thoroughly. 

Mix buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, spices and extracts in a smaller bowl. Add to chocolate batter and mix well.

Pour into a greased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. 

To make icing:
Combine butter, buttermilk and cocoa in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar and extracts. Beat until smooth and spread over hot brownies. Sprinkle almonds evenly over top of icing.