Toffee Brownies

Photo: flickr user _e.t

Ingredients

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped

cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)

4 teaspoons instant espresso powder

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

teaspoon vanilla extract

teaspoon salt

1 cup all purpose flour

6 ounces cream cheese room temperature

1 tablespoon whipping cream

teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar

cup chopped Almond Roca or Heath Bars (about 7

Preparation

For brownies:Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour 13 1/2x8 1/2-inch baking dish.

Melt chocolate and butter with espresso powder in top of double boiler over simmering water; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.

Whisk eggs in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in sugar. Add vanilla and salt. Whisk in melted choclate. Add flour and stir until just blended. Spread batter in prepared dish. Bake until tester inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 30 minutes. Cool brownies

Completely in pan on rack. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover tightly.)

For topping:Blend cream cheese, cream and vanilla in processor until smooth. Mix in sugar.

Spread topping over brownies. Sprinkle with Almond Roca. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead.)

Makes 24.