Chocolate, Beer and Pretzel Brownies

For the ganache:
Heat the cream in a small pot until it is simmering. Remove the pot from the heat and add the chocolate pieces and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool.

For the brownies:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Take a 12×16″ sheet pan (a cookie pan with sides) and put a sheet of parchment paper down on the bottom of the pan. I then spray the top of the parchment, and the sides of the pan with non-stick baking spray.

Take the semi-sweet chocolate pieces and put them into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave it for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Whisk the chocolate until very smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add the beer and beat until well combined. Beat the eggs in one at a time, until they are completely mixed in. Then slowly beat in the cooled melted chocolate.

In a medium sized bowl sift the flour and cocoa powder together, and then slowly add it into the batter, mixing it in until it is just combined. Add the chocolate chips and pretzels, and mix until just combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, and spread evenly to the edges.

Bake the brownies at 350 F for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over bake! When the brownies are finished, remove pan from oven and set it on a rack. Let them cool completely before frosting them evenly with the chocolate ganache.

Chop up the pretzel M&M’s and sprinkle them over the top of the brownies. Slice and serve.