HIDDEN MICROWAVE IN KITCHEN RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a lightly floured 1-1/2-in. round cookie cutter; place on ungreased baking sheets. , Bake at 375° until set, 6-8 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , In a large bowl, combine all the peppermint layer ingredients. Knead for 1 minute or until smooth. Shape into 120 balls, 1/2 in. each. Place a ball on each cookie and flatten to cover cookie. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for 30 minutes. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread about 1 teaspoonful over each cookie. Chill until firm.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line it with a piece of parchment overhanging the edges (this will help in removing the brownies from the pan) and spray again.
• Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave or over a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs. With the mixer on low speed, drizzle in the melted chocolate. Add the vanilla extract, beets and walnuts and mix. Whisk together the flour and cocoa powder in a small bowl. Add half of the flour to the batter and mix just until combined. Mix in the remaining flour; do not over mix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it to even out the surface. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely.
• Using the paper, lift the brownies from the pan. Remove the paper, and then cut the brownies into 9 squares. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.