Recipe: Asphalt Brownies

Delicious two-tone delights

Baserock (tan)

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Cooking spray

Asphalt (dark brown)

• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Guinness Stout
• 4.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps to Success

Step 1: Safety Check
Place one rack in lower third of oven; place another rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2: Prepare Baserock
Place 6 tablespoons butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Weigh or lightly spoon 5 ounces (about 1 cup) flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 5 ounces flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Add flour mixture and pecans to sugar mixture, beating just until combined. Spoon into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly with a knife or rubber spatula. Bake at 350° in lower third of oven for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Asphalt
Melt chocolate and 4 tablespoons butter in a large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 1 minute or until melted, stirring after every 20 seconds until smooth. Add granulated sugar, stirring until well combined. Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and Guinness, stirring with a whisk until well combined. Weigh or lightly spoon 5 ounces (about 1 cup) flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 5 ounces flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring to combine. Pour mixture evenly over Baserock.

Step 4: Sealcoat & Enjoy
Bake on the center rack at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack; cut into squares.