Homemade Brownies

Update: They've been tested and "are the best thing I've ever put in my mouth" per mento's sister :)

I have a new "mento" for confirmation, and yesterday on facebook she said she wanted brownies "right now!" So today I thought I would surprise her with some. I didn't have a mix, but had all the ingredients to make them homemade.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING (recipe follows)
Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in bowl. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Prepare CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING; spread over brownies. Cut into squares. About 16 brownies.


CREAMY BROWNIE FROSTING

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Beat butter, cocoa, corn syrup and vanilla in small bowl until blended. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency. About 1 cup frosting.