#1505 - Chocolate Mousse Brownies

(by Shirley McNevich)

Brownies: 1/2 cup butter; 1 - 12oz. bag Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate bits; 2 cups white sugar; 1 1/4 cups flour; 2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Topping: 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 - 6oz. bag Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate bits; 3 eggs; 2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

In a large microwave safe bowl add 1/2 cup butter and 12oz. of chocolate bits--microwave on high (keep stirring and checking every 20 seconds). When mixture is melted and smooth, add 2 cups white sugar, flour, 2 tsp. vanilla, baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 cup chopped pecans--stir. In a cup add eggs--beat with a fork. Add eggs to brownie mixture--stir just until mixed. Pour batter into a greased 13 x 9 cake pan--set aside. In a microwave safe bowl add 6oz. chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream--microwave on high (keep stirring and checking every 20 seconds). When mixture is melted, set aside. In a mixer add 3 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt--beat until foamy. Add the egg mixture to the whipping cream mixture--stir. Pour the whipping cream mixture evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Sprinkle the 1 cup chopped pecans evenly on top of the heavy whipping cream mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Cool completely.