Pecans will come out of their shells in one piece if cooked first in boiling water for 15 minutes.
Walnuts If it's important to get the walnut meat out whole, soak overnight in salt water before cracking gently.
serves 12
1 package (1 pound 3.8 ounces) fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups vanilla milk chips
About 25 milk chocolate kisses with white chocolate stripes, unwrapped
1 1/2 tsp shortening
Heat oven to 350°. Grease bottom only of springform pan, 9 x 3 inches. Stir brownie mix (dry), water, oil, eggs and 1 cup of the vanilla milk chips in medium bowl about 50 strokes with spoon or until well blended. Spread in pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Immediately place chocolate kisses around outside edge of brownie. Cool completely. Remove side of pan. Place remaining 1/4 cup vanilla milk chips and the shortening in resealable plastic sandwich bag; seal. Microwave on High about 30 seconds or until chips are melted. Knead chips until smooth.
Cut small corner from bag. Drizzle melted chips over top of brownie.
Cut into wedges.
“It is not really an exaggeration to say that peace and happiness begin, geographically, where garlic is used in cooking.”
X. Marcel Boulestin, chef, food writer (1878-1943)
