Orange Delight Brownies

I wanted to do a really bad orange knock knock joke here but I'll spare you.  I have had this recipe lingering around in my "to make" pile since 2003.  2003, people.  That was the print date on the bottom of this page.  That's crazy to hang onto a recipe that long and not try it.  Boy, was I sure glad when I did because now it's in my keeper file for good.  It's so good, I had to pass it onto you guys.

I am a true blue brownie fanatic.  I've never met one I didn't like so I think when I saw this recipe had NO chocolate in it, I panicked and thought it wouldn't be good or something.  With this searing heat looming in Georgia though, I didn't want a brownie with chocolate chunks that would melt the second I took it outside for dessert on the patio.  This brownie was the perfect answer.  Not quite a blondie, not quite a cake but somewhere in between where happiness and kittens frolic together in Brownieland. 

I was surprised there was no baking soda or powder in it too...but really, the thinness added to the crispy top texture before adding to the super soft, tender and buttery middle.  The orange shines through clean and bright but no overpowering.  And don't skip on the powdered sugar because there is a world of difference if you don't. 

I do think adding white chocolate chips to these would be a great way to make them "Orange Creamcicle Bars".  *HINT*HINT*

Hope you enjoy these...and don't take 8 years to make them like me.  :)

Orange Delight Brownies

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 cups white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

4 eggs

2 Tablespoons orange extract

Grated peel of 1 big orange

Preheat your oven to 350.  Grease a 13 x 9 pan and set aside. 

Cream the butter and sugar together till smooth.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well in between each addition.  Add the salt and flour, mix well then add in your orange peel and extract.  (Add chips if  using)

Bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool entirely and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.