Buttermilk Brownies

Directions

1. 1
   Grease a 15x10x1-inch or a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. 2
   In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
3. 3
   In a medium saucepan combine the 1 cup butter, water, and the 1/3 cup cocoa powder.
4. 4
   Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring constantly.
5. 5
   Remove from heat.
6. 6
   Add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined.
7. 7
   Add the eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
8. 8
   Beat for 1 minute (batter will be thin).
9. 9
   Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
10. 10
    Bake brownies in a 350 degree F oven about 25 minutes for the 15x10x1-inch pan, 35 minutes for the 13x9x2-inch pan, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. 11
    Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine the 1/4 cup butter, the 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and the 3 tablespoons buttermilk.
12. 12
    Bring mixture to boiling.
13. 13
    Remove from heat.
14. 14
    Add powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
15. 15
    Beat until smooth.
16. 16
    If desired, stir in pecans.
17. 17
    Pour warm frosting over the warm brownies, spreading evenly.
18. 18
    Cool on a wire rack.
19. 19
    Cut into bars.
20. 20
    Makes 24 brownies.