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Tips and tricks for Halloween treats

Whether you're throwing a fall festival, a spooky soiree, or a trick-or-treating after party, these treats will satisfy guests of any age.

Mississippi mud brownies with Midnight Milky Ways

The Pastry Chef's Baking
A layer of brownie is topped with a layer of Midnight Milky Ways, finished off with a layer of warm chocolate frosting.

By Carol Ramos, The Pastry Chef's Baking 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package Midnight Milky Way minis, each mini cut into fourths (they're easier to cut cleanly if you chill them first)

Frosting

1/4 cup salted butter

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8-x-8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil; spray with cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well blended. Using a wooden spoon stir in melted butter and mix until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and stir until blended. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and bake in preheated oven 35-37 minutes (under bake slightly as you'll be returning them to oven to melt the Midnight Milky Ways).

3. Remove from oven and sprinkle top evenly with the chopped Midnight Milky Ways. Return to oven for another 2-4 minutes before removing. While brownies are still hot, cover evenly with the warm chocolate frosting. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

For the chocolate frosting: 

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add milk and cocoa powder and cook whisking constantly until mixture has thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and using an electric hand mixer, stir in vanilla, and powdered sugar. Use frosting immediately.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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