Marvelous Mud Pie Brownies

When it comes to birthdays, I'm a firm believer that brownies are the best way to celebrate.

And not just any brownie. We're talking Brownies Gone Wild.

How wild? Try Mud Pie Brownies: Gooey brownie, with a layer of toasted marshmallow, followed by a layer of fudge frosting, topped with toasted pecans.

Oh yes I did.

I know it's January. And I'm fully aware that it's the "Week o' Resolutions." I know you're all swearing off sugar, committing to a revitalized exercise plan, and kicking your butter-lovin' habits once and for all.

But in the midst of all the New Year's Resolution hype, my friend Alli celebrated her 27th birthday this week. And birthdays require brownies. More specifically, they require fudgy, gooey, Mud Pie Brownies that just plain rock my chocolate-loving soul.

So, eat some quinoa. Dine on some roasted red pepper soup. Satisfy that butternut squash craving.

And then, bake some bodacious birthday brownies...and enjoy.

Mud Pie Brownies

(adapted from this recipe at the Taste of Home community forum)

Adam proclaimed that these are "heaven on brownie Earth." Not sure it makes sense, but the point was clear: These brownies are incredible--especially the homemade fudge icing (it literally tastes like the marshmallow cream Fantasy Fudge recipe).

Brownie Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter (oh, yes!)
• 4 oz. chopped unsweetened chocolate
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans
• about 3 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2) Melt butter and chocolate together in a double boiler. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (about 5 min). Stir together the flour, sugar, and salt, and beat in the chocolate mixture. Beat in eggs and vanilla and pour into prepared pan.

3) Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows on top and return to oven for about 2 minutes, or until brownies are cooked through (toothpick comes out clean of brownie crumb, but obviously there will be marshmallow goo on there!).

4) Meanwhile, prepare the frosting so that it can be poured on the warm brownies. When brownies are done, pour frosting over the warm brownies and sprinkle with pecans. Allow to cool completely! (resist the urge to cut while warm).

5) Package 'em up for the birthday girl (or boy!).