Dark Chocolate WORMS & DIRT Halloween BROWNIES
1 box Ghiradelli's Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix + ingredients called for on box
PLUS:
2 tsp. dark chocolate syrup................................1 TB dark unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. instant coffee powder
1 sleeve Oreo cookies (about 10-12), crushed (I did this in a pint baggie, with rolling pin)
about 1/2 cup canned chocolate or fudge frosting ~ plus extra, if needed later
2-3 tsp. dark chocolate syrup
I used 12-1/2 gummy worms (for 25 cut brownies ~ each worm was cut in half)
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I used a 10" square pan, instead of the 8" or 9" called for on the box, because I didn't want them too tall (since I was putting the crushed Oreos on top too), and because I could get more brownies ~ spray the pan very generously with non-stick baking spray (containing flour). Prepare the brownie mix as called for on the box (adding the other stuff too); then bake (check after 25 minutes if you're using the 10" pan, since they will bake faster than the smaller pan). Let them cool on a rack in the pan before decorating.
When the brownies are cool, mix the frosting with the chocolate syrup in a small bowl. Then spread it over the brownies to cover the top completely. Sprinkle the crushed Oreos evenly over the top of the frosting and lightly press into the frosting. I put the gummy worm halves in rows of 5 x 5 (25 total) ~ cut side down, into the frosting. Let it set for about 1/2 hour or so; then cut down through everything into squares. Gently remove the squares/bars. You might need a dab more frosting on the cut end of the gummy worm to "glue" it back into the top of the brownie, if it falls off.