Pay it Forward Turtle Brownies

I've mentioned before (probably more times than you cared to read about) the United Way fundraiser/raffle I've been involved in. Well, finally the last of the goodies have been baked. The final of the 5 winners took a while to make her decision. I was beginning to think she never would make up her mind :-) But when she finally did, WOW what a great choice! And not just what she picked but who she picked. She very graciously decided to donate her prize to the NICU nurses at the hospital where I work, for all that they do. I thought it was a great "pay it forward" gesture. She rewarded them with the Over the Top Turtle Brownies I had made for one of the other winners. This is a great recipe, rich, gooey, chewy and oh so fudgy.




Over the Top Turtle Brownies

1/2 cup butter
4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 jar (450 g.) Dulce de Leche caramel spread

Directions

1. Melt butter and chocolate together. Stir in brown sugar, eggs and vanilla, mix well.
2. Add salt, flour and chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
3. Pour half of the batter into a greased 9 inch square pan. (I doubled the recipe and used a 9x13 pan)
   
4. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and spread Dulce de Leche evenly over top, then sprinkle pecans over the top. Spoon remaining brownie batter on top and smooth it out.
6. Return to oven and bake for about another 25 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, cool and cut into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
   

I just had to show you my little confused visitor from yesterday. He was wondering where spring went!! Just a little snow left now, but chilly tonight!