Spicy Brownies!

I LOVE the spicy/chocolate combo, but I didn't always want it in a chocolate bar. So I decided to make some rich, spicy brownies instead! I took my favorite brownie recipe & added cinnamon & cayenne. These have a nice warmth & decadent chocolate flavor- enjoy!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 9-16
• Yields: 9-16 Brownies

Ingredients

• 1  cup  Ghirardelli sweet ground chocolate and cocoa
• 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon cayenne
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄2 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
2. Grease an 8 inch sqare pan, if not using a nonstick pan.
3. In a small mixing bowl, sift together the ground chocolate, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, & cayenne. Set aside.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, & vanilla extract. Add the melted butter.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, about 1/4 at a time, until combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips & nuts (optional).
7. Spread the batter evenly into the pan (the batter is pretty thick).
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
9. Cool the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.