Grand Marnier Brownie Bites

2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate

1/2c butter

2 eggs

3/4c packed brown sugar

3/4c white granulated sugar

3 TBSP brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. orange zest

3/4c all-purpose flour

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2c semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4c pecans, chopped

Frosting:

2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate

2 TBSP butter

2 TBSP light cream

1/2c confectioner’s sugar

1 TBSP brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)

1. Preheat oven to 350* Grease and flour mini-muffin pan.

2. In sauce pan over low heat, melt dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and butter. Stir continuously until ingredients are melted and consistency is smooth. Remove from heat.

3. In mixing bowl, beat brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs on medium speed 2-3 minutes, or until fluffy.

4. Add melted chocolate and butter, Grand Marnier, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Continue mixing on medium speed until well blended.

5. Add flour, salt, chocolate chips, and pecans. Mix on low until all ingredients are combined.

6. Pour batter into muffin pan, filling each muffin cup up to ¾ full.

7. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center of a brownie comes out clean.

8. Place on wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Preparing the Frosting:

1. In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt the milk chocolate and butter; stirring continuously until consistency is smooth. Remove from heat.

2. In a medium size mixing bowl, add light cream, confectioner’s sugar, and Grand Marnier. Beat on medium until ingredients are well blended.

3. Spread on tops of cooled brownies.

Yields 36 mini brownies.  

Cheers!