Hershey's Chocolate Brownies with Frosting

My posting has been rather erratic of late as I'm preparing for a comprehensive field exam in my PhD program, which is taking place on Monday...wish me luck! This test is in the field of public law (I took the exam in American politics last spring), so any good wishes with regard to the Supreme Court or judicial behavior would be much appreciated... :)

These gooey brownies are super delicious. They're perfect for those times when you want a brownie that tastes like a brownie mix, except exceptionally good! The recipe comes from Hershey's and so both the brownies and the frosting use cocoa powder, which is really convenient and easy. They taste fabulous and just like a good brownie should taste! The frosting makes them extra decadent, so don't skip it (or the little bit of corn syrup).


Hershey's Chocolate Brownies with Frosting (recipe from Hershey's)

Brownies:
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
6 tablespoons cocoa
2 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9 inch brownie pan.
2. Make the brownies: Melt the butter, and then stir in the sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Stir in the cocoa. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir to combine. Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Make the frosting: Beat the butter, cocoa, corn syrup, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and the smaller amount of milk, and beat well. Add milk until a spreading consistency is attained. Frost the cooled brownies with an offset spatula.