CONTEST DESSERTS: Buttermilk Brownies

BUTTERMILK BROWNIES
Adapted By BumbleBeeBoogie

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white granulated sugar (or half granulated brown sugar and half white sugar)
1 stick butter
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup salad oil
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat over to 375 degrees F.

Sift the flour and sugar together in a large bowl; set aside.

Bring butter, water, and cocoa to a boil or heat in a microwave oven. Remove from heat and cool for 1 minute. Add to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla and mix. Pour into a non-stick or greased cookie sheet with sides at least one inch high. Bake for 20 minutes.

While the Brownies are baking, make the frosting:

1 stick butter
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 one-pound box powdered white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans are best

Bring the butter, buttermilk and cocoa to a boil or heat in the microwave oven. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well. Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes after taking the brownies from the oven, then spread the warm frosting over the brownies. Immediately sprinkle with the chopped nuts, pressing them lightly into the warm frosting. When cool, cut into bars.