Making Brownies Better: Mocha Frosting

When I was kid, I went to my grandparents' house every day after school. Most of the time, my grandma would have some yummy baked good on hand, and most of the time, it was brownies with this mocha frosting. It really takes brownies to another level, even/especially if they came out of a box. I would usually eat one or two at the kitchen table with a Dixie cup full of milk and then have enough motivation (and caffeine) to get all my homework done.

On a more important note, it's been a strange week in New York. I feel so fortunate to have survived the storm unscathed, but I know many people are still without power, some have suffered great loss and the Northeast has a lot of rebuilding to do. I encourage you to donate to the Red Cross if you're looking for a way to help. Every little bit counts. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with clear skies (and a brownie or two).

Mocha Frosting

1/4 cup of butter (1/2 stick), room temperature

1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons strong coffee

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream butter with a mixer, then add cocoa and powdered sugar and mix until combined. Mix in hot coffee one tablespoon at a time. You can add more or less depending on what consistency you want the frosting to be. Add vanilla. This makes enough for an 8x8 pan of brownies. Go ahead and double the recipe if you need enough for a 9x13 pan.