Mississippi Mud Brownies

 Well the first thing that comes to mind when I think of these brownies is they are "the bomb."  I know it's probably old school but seriously, they are the bomb!:)  We had the chance to see our friends Spencer and Megan Goo and their family a couple weeks ago in Utah.  They had a BBQ/Pool Party and Megan made these delicious brownies.  So of course I had to get the recipe.  I decided to make them for Fourth of July at my dad's house for our own BBQ/Pool Party.  They turned out just as good and everyone loved them, maybe even too much :).  They are definitely going to be a family favorite in our house! They make a huge batch, plenty for a potluck, church activity, or party.  I would half the recipe if it's just 1 family but you could always freeze the other half too-if they make it that far.

You can make the brownies by themselves, with frosting, or as Mississippi mud (all three).


Directions:
Beat 1lb (4 cubes) butter (not softened)

Slowly add:
4 cups sugar

Add:
7 large eggs
4 tsp vanilla
7/8 cup cocoa
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 cups nuts, chopped (optional)

Mix and pour into a well-greased jellyroll pan (cookie sheet with edges)

Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

For Mississippi Mud:
Add 10 oz miniature marshmallows for the last three minutes of cooking time.  Cool and frost with homemade chocolate frosting.  The recipe says you should let rest for 24 hrs--good luck.

Chocolate Frosting
4 tbsp melted butter
4 heaping Tbsp cocoa powder (sifted)
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
dash of salt
enough cream, canned milk, or milk to make spreading consistency.  Beat with electric mixer and spread.