Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans

1 Tablespoon butter

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1/3 cup pecan halves Melt butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring until combined. Add pecan halves, cooking over low heat until mixture begins to darken; about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat for about 15 minutes until pecans cool and sugar hardens. Break the pecans into pieces





For Brownies:

1 cup butter

4 ounces dark chocolate, broken into pieces

4 eggs

2 cups granulated sugar

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup candied pecans

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 Tablespoons bourbon



In a medium saucepan, warm butter and chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat to cool slightly.



In a large bowl beat eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, sugar, flour, salt, peppermint extract and bourbon and pecans stir until fully incorporated.



Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan (I just line my pan with parchment paper). Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting