Chocolate-Cherry Brownies

Description

Source: Christmas With Southern Living 2003 - Southern Living

A splash of bourbon in these decadent bites boots the bittersweet chocolate flavor. Baking them in miniature muffin pans makes them easy to serve.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 (1-ounce) bittersweet chocolate squares, melted
• 2 teaspoons bourbon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/3 cup sweetened dried cherries, chopped
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate mini-morsels
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and pale.
3. Add oil and next 3 ingredients, beating until blended.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to chocolate, beating until blended.
5. Stir in pecans, cherries, and mini-morsels.
6. Spoon batter into greased miniature (1 3/4") muffin pans, filling three-fourths full.
7. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes.
8. Remove from oven; cool in pans on a wire rack 15 minutes.
9. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Yield: about 3 dozen