Spicy Brownies

The combination of chipotle and rich chocolate may seem like an unusual match, but the combo was found to be slimming.  Plus, it builds up immunity and aids in fighting fatigue.  The capsaicin, a compound found in chipotle, jump-starts metabolism by raising the body temperature, and decreases appetite.  So have your cake and eat it too… without the guilt!

For the spicy brownies, you will need:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 and 1/4 teaspoons ground chipotle chile pepper, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1 package 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar

1)  Heat oven to 350°F.  In bowl, blend 1 3/4 cups sugar; 3/4 cup flour; 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

2)  In bowl set over saucepan with simmering water, combine 1 cup butter and unsweetened chocolate.  Stir 5 minutes, or until smooth.  Stir chocolate mixture into flour mixture.  Add 4 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Pour batter into 8″x8″ pan.  Bake 45 minutes.  Let cool on wire rack.

3)  In bowl, beat together softened cream cheese; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle.  Frost brownies with cream cheese frosting.  Cut into squares.

Yields 8 servings.

Prep time:  10 minutes  Total time:  55 minutes, plus cooling time