Hazelnut Brownies

I got into a bit of a baking frenzy last night and made these brownies and some other treats that I am going to post today as well.

Brownie Batter:
1 Cup Butter
2 Cups Sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 Cup AP flour
3/4 Cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease a 13x9 inch pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar and vanilla.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.  Add to the butter mixture and mix well.  Fold in hazelnuts.

Spread into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center.  Cool on a wire rack.

While brownies are baking prepare frosting.

Frosting:
2 Cups (12ounces) chocolate chips
1 Cup heavy whipping cream or refrigerated hazelnut non-dairy creamer  (I used the plain cream)
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts

In a double boiler melt the chocolate and heavy cream.  Stir in the unmelted butter and mix until smooth.  Cover and refrigerate about 30 minutes or until it is spreadable.  Frost brownies and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

Makes 2 dozen.