Mississippi Mud Brownies
I think careful cooking is love, don't you?   The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who's close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give. - Julia Child
Brownie Ingredients
1 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
Frosting Ingredients
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows (optional)
​Brownie Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Grease a 9 x13 inch pan.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of  butter.  Remove from heat and stir in cocoa until smooth. 
  3. Mix in the white sugar, eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla.  Mix in the flour. 
  4. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan.  Let cool in pan and frost with the delicious frosting below, then cool one hour before serving.
Frosting Steps   (I don't ever frost mine - can't wait!)
  1. Combine butter, milk, and cocoa in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Stir constantly and don't let boil.  Stop when butter has melted and all are combined.  Remove from heat.
  2. Beat in the  beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until frosting is smooth.  Stir in marshmallows and nuts.
  3. Frost cooled brownies and let sit for an hour before serving.