Frosted Chocolate Cake Brownies

1. Heat oven to 350 F.

2. Grease and flour a 9" x 13" baking pan. 

3. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the 1 cup of butter and granulated sugar; beat until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla and blend well.

5. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa. Stir with a spoon or whisk to blend thoroughly.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the first mixture; stir until blended.

7. Fold the pecans or walnuts into the batter.

8. Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan.

9. Bake for about 18 to 24 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool in the pan on a rack for about 5 minutes; invert onto a cake platter or leave them in the pan.

Frosting

1. Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat; add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth.

2. Sift confectioners' sugar and add it to the cocoa mixture along with the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and 4 tablespoons of hot evaporated milk or half-and-half.

3. Working quickly, spoon the warm frosting evenly over the brownies and spread to cover thoroughly.