Tri-Level Brownies

These brownies offer three pleasing levels of taste and texture. First level, an oat shortbread crust. Second level, a nutty chocolate filling. Third level, a creamy chocolate frosting.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:
1 (1-ounce) square unsweetend baking chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1 large egg
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Frosting:
1 (1-ounce) square unsweetend baking chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons hot water

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For Crust: In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt, quick cooking oats, brown sugar and melted butter.
3. Press mixture into a 11x7x2-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. For Filling: In a small saucepan melt baking chocolate and butter on low heat. Pour into a large bowl, cool to room temperature, then add sugar and egg and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.
5. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder together. Add to creamed chocolate mixture. Stir in milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and chopped nuts. Spread over hot crust. Bake for 25 minutes. Frost when cool. Cut into bars.
6. For Frosting: In a saucepan melt baking chocolate and butter. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, and hot water. Beat until smooth. Spread on top of brownies.
   

Makes 12 brownies.