Kwanzaa ends with the New Year, and what better way to wind down than with one last bit of decadence: Colorful Kwanzaa Brownies.
The seven-day holiday is a time for black Americans to celebrate their African heritage. The relatively recent tradition includes lighting the kinara, a colorful candle holder; exchanging simple gifts known as zawadi; and honoring the seven cherished principles of the Kwanzaa celebration, Nguzo Saba.Once the brownies have baked and cooled, top with chocolate cream and fresh fruit. A choice of sliced and diced fruit, a Kwanzaa tradition, will echo the bold colors of African fabrics found in the home and wardrobe.
COLORFUL KWANZAA BROWNIES
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Chocolate Cream (recipe follows)
Assorted fresh fruit, sliced or cut up, such as banana, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple, strawberries
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 12-inch round pizza pan or 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan.
Combine butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs and beat well with a spoon. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the egg mixture until blended. Stir in pecans, if desired. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool completely.
Spread Chocolate Cream over top and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Garnish with fruit just before serving.
CHOCOLATE CREAM
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a large bowl combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Recipe from Hershey Foods.