Brownie and Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Sauce

Preparation

1. FOR BROWNIES:

   Step 1

   Preheat oven to 325 °F. Line 17 1/4x11 1/2x1-inch baking sheet with parchment. Bring sugar, butter and water to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low. Add chocolate; stir until smooth. Whisk eggs and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in hot chocolate mixture. Mix in flour, baking soda and salt, then nuts.

   Step 2

   Spread butter over prepared sheet. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely. Freeze until firm.

   Step 3

   Cut around brownie to loosen. Turn out onto work surface. Peel off parchment. Trim brownie to 16x10-inch rectangle; cut in half crosswise, making two 8x10-inch rectangles. Place 1 rectangle on baking sheet. Cover brownie with ice cream. Freeze until slightly firm.

   Step 4

   Lightly score top of remaining brownie in half lengthwise, then score across, in 2-inch sections, making 10 2x4-inch rectangles.

   Step 5

   Press scored brownie atop ice cream, scored side up. Freeze until ice cream is firm, at least 4 hours. Cut brownie along marked lines into 10 sandwiches. ( Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Wrap tightly; keep frozen.)

2. FOR SAUCE:

   Step 6

   Stir chocolate and coffee in saucepan over low heat until smooth. Add liquer. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before serving.)

3. Step 7

   Serve sandwiches with sauce.