Orange Brownies

Let me start with giving proper credit for this recipe.  It is actually a Paula Deen recipe, introduced to me by a co-worker, Dorothy Kester.  I would have never tried this recipe just from reading the name of it, but after having the first bite, I was totally hooked!  I'm warning you right now, that they are sinful!  Once you take a bite, you won't be able to stop eating them! On with the recipe......

Orange Brownies

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 c granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 c butter, softened (I make them with 1/2 c shortening, 1/2 c butter)
4 eggs
2 tsp pure orange extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 recipe Orange Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 13x9 pan (I prefer them thinner, so I make them in a cookie sheet)

Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl.  Add butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest.  Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until well blended.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown and set.  Remove from oven, allow to cool and pierce entire cake with a fork.  Spread the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting over completely cooled brownies.  Cut into squares.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
4 Tbsp softened butter
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
2 Tbsp orange zest
2 Tbsp orange juice

In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese together with a hand-held electic mixer.  Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until it is all combined and smooth.  Beat in the orange zest and juice.  Spread over brownies.

** In case you are wondering, one batch of the frosting is enough to cover the entire cookie sheet of brownies with ample frosting.

YUM YUM YUM!!