Twix Brownies

My youngest son recently turned 21. The night before his birthday I asked him if he wanted anything special. And, much like a nice Italian son, he asked for a special dessert—Twix brownies. Problem was I had never heard of such a thing. He knew exactly where to go on the internet to find the recipe and was more than happy to go to the store to buy the ingredients. There I was, on the eve of my son's 21^st birthday, happily baking a batch of Twix brownies! I am, after all, in my happy place when I bake, and baking on request makes my happy place even happier! So, here is the recipe for the Twix brownies. I encourage you to make them for your kids and maybe you’ll be lucky enough for them to “special request” them one day! —Lisa

For the brownies you'll need:

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 ¼ cups sugar 
3 eggs 
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 cup flour
12 fun size Twix bars, cut into thirds

For the caramel sauce you'll need:

10 caramel candies

2 tbsp heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8-by-8-inch baking pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray.

Microwave chocolate and butter in a large bowl for 3 to 4 minutes until the butter is melted.  Stir until all the chocolate is melted. 

Whisk in the sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt.  Add the flour gradually until just combined.

Spread ½ the batter into the pan. Add a layer of chopped Twix bars and cover with remaining brownie mix.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.  Do not over bake.

Cool completely. Just before serving, prepare the caramel sauce: 

Put the caramels and heavy cream in a bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until the caramels begin to melt, stirring frequently. Continue to do this until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.  Drizzle over each brownie. 

You’ll  need a BIG glass of milk to go with this decadent dessert...or a beer if it's your 21st birthday!

Lisa's son, Jimmy, right, celebrates his 21st birthday with his
friend Lenny and a batch of Twix Brownies