Enhanced Brownies

My Enhanced Brownies were inspired by friends at the Food Network. Emeril likes to "kick it up a notch" so I decided to take Sandra Lee's advice and go "semi-homemade" and start with a basic brownie mix. And the Barefoot Contessa always adds instant espresso to her chocolate dishes. These were served at Melissa and Trey's party and they must have been pretty good since there were no leftovers. Give them a try - I promise you will not be disappointed.

Enhanced Brownies

1 family-size brownie mix
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons instant espresso
1 cup pecans, chopped

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to blend. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spray will oil. Pour brownies into pan and bake according to the package directions. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to your baking since the chocolate chips were added.

Cool in the pan before removing. These can be prepared a couple of days ahead of time and stored in the baking pan, tightly covered for 2 days.

I apologize for the rather sketchy directions, but a lot depends on the brand of brownie mix. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removable and cutting much easier.