spooky halloween brownies

Instructions:​​​​​​​

1. To Make the Brownies: Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8x8” or 9x9” baking pan with two strips of parchment paper to create “sleeves” for easy removal after baking. 
2. Chop one 6.35oz chocolate bar into large chunks to melt over very low heat. Set aside. 
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Set aside. 
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter for 2 minutes on high speed, until creamy. 
5. Mix the water and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. 
6. Add the flour mixture and melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Fold just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as this will create more cake-like brownies. 
7. Chop the last chocolate bar into small chunks and fold into the brownie batter. 
8. Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. 
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, the center will look slightly underbaked. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If the brownies are finished baking, the toothpick will come out with a few moist crumbs on it. 
10. Let cool in the pan for 1 hour before slicing into 16 squares. 
11. To Make the Meringue: Combine all the ingredients except the vanilla into a stainless steel, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the mixture over medium-low heat and beat with an electric hand mixer nonstop for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat an addition 3-5 minutes, until the frosting is fluffy and stiff peaks. Fold in the vanilla. 
12. To Assemble: Remove 1/4 cup meringue to mix with black food coloring for the ghost eyes and mouth. Transfer the meringue into a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe on 2-3 different sized ghosts by piping a small amount then carrying it down a little ways and swirling up the create the iconic ghost shape. Repeat with both large and small ghosts sizes. Pipe small circles for the ghost eyes and mouth with the black meringue. Enjoy!