Rocky Road Brownies

A fantastic treat for any occasion.  Bake sales, pot luck parties, etc.  Everyone LOVES LOVES LOVES a great brownie.  For those with nut allergies omit the nuts and they still come out just as delicious.  As a busy mom I do cheat on occasion, they definitely do not come out as tasty when I use the box mix for the base, but in a pinch you can still get good results and a fabulous looking treat.  Our recipe below will make you want to kick the box mix to the curb, however.  

Rocky Road Brownies

Ingredients:
4 (1 oz) squares unsweetened chocolate

1 cup butter

4 large eggs

2 cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup chopped almonds (optional)

About 1 1/2 cups small marshmallows

1.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Melt chocolate squares and butter in microwave (start with 45 seconds and then stir, if more times is needed then melt for 15 additional seconds at a time).  Let cool.

3.  Beat eggs until thick and lemon colored.

4.  Gradually add sugar, beating thoroughly, until batted is smooth and light.

5.  Stir in melted butter and chocolate.  Add vanilla.  Mix well.

6.  Sift flour and salt and add to batter.

7.  Fold in nuts.

8.  Pour batter into greased 8 inch square pan*.  Cook in oven for 20-25 minutes (until top is shiny and crust has formed).  Remove from oven and place marshmallows over top of brownies in an even layer.  Set your oven to broil and return brownies topped with marshmallows to oven for about 2 minutes or until marshmallows turn golden brown.  It's important to keep watch because the marshmallows will brown quickly.  Remove brownies and let cool before slicing.

*Note:  If you have a pre-sectioned "brownie pan" this is a great time to pull it out. You can also use a 12 cup cupcake pan for individual sized portions (bake 15-20 minutes).