Christmas Cookies

• 3 1/2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
• Favorite Brownie Frosting

Melt chocolate and butter in top of a double boiler over simmering water; set aside to cool.

Beat eggs lightly with a wooden spoon; gradually add sugar, salt, and vanilla, stirring well. Stir in cooled chocolate mixture.

Sift flour over pecans; Spread batter in a greased 12x8x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 325° for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with Favorite Brownie Frosting, and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares while warm.

Yield: about 3 dozen.

Favorite Brownie Frosting:

• 1 1/2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• Dash of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Combine chocolate, butter, whipping cream, brown sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until chocolate melts. Remove from heat; add flavorings and enough powdered sugar to yield desired spreading consistency.

Yield: frosting for about 3 dozen squares.

Note: For a quick frosting, place 8 small, then milk chocolate bars over warm brownies; cover with a flat pan for a few minutes to hasten melting. Remove pan, and spread chocolate evenly over surface.

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