Top of the World Brownies

By JDARK

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, cut up
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts
• 2 egg whites
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 80mins

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line bottom and sides of a 8" x 8" x 2" pan with heavy foil; grease foil and set aside.
3. Melt chocolate and 3/4 cup butter in bowl over simmering water until melted.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1-1/3 cups sugar and vanilla; cool about 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition just until combined.
6. Stir in flour and 2 tablespoons cocoa.
7. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
8. Sprinkle with nuts; set aside.
9. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 1 minute or until soft peaks form.
10. Gradually add the 2/3 cup sugar, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form and sugar is almost dissolved.
11. Reduce speed to low setting and beat in 1 tablespoon cocoa.
12. Using a tablespoon, carefully dollop the meringue in 16 even mounds on top of brownie batter, keeping about a 1/2" space between each.
13. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.
14. Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour.