Fudgy Patriotic Brownies

1 cup butter, cubed
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Frosting:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red, white and blue decorating icing

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Combine flour and salt; stir into chocolate mixture until combined. Stir in pecans. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until blended.

.

.