Evil Dead Necronomicon Brownies

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the 2 sticks of unsalted butter. Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Into the pot with the melted butter, add 1-3/4 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
4. Stir in 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Mix with the wooden spoon until smooth, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
6. Get your reference images ready for sculpting the face later.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons milk, 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 1-1/2 cups sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil rapidly for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Immediately pour this frosting over the warm brownies.
9. Let the frosting rest for a couple of minutes until it starts to set. Then, using a spoon and your fingers, scoop out frosting to create holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth—these will be filled with ganache. Place the excess frosting in a bowl. Build up the areas around the facial features to give them a 3D look, referencing your photos. Drag a fork through the remaining frosting to create ridges like the Necronomicon face. Once satisfied, let the frosting set while you make the ganache.
10. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream until it just starts to simmer and is heated through, but do not let it boil.
11. Put 4 oz. dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir with a metal spoon until smooth.
12. Spoon the ganache into the eye, nose, and mouth cavities until full. Use a toothpick to drag some ganache into deeper creases for added depth if desired.
13. Let the brownies cool completely. Show off your Evil Dead creation to horror fans, then cut into squares to serve.