-
1
Heat oven to 325u00b0F You'll need 16 heart-shaped foil baking cups (raynoleds' fun shapes) on a rimmed baking sheet, or a 3in heart shaped cookie cutter and a 13 x 9 in baking pan lined with nonstick foil(let foil extend about 2 in above pan at both ends).
-
2
Brownies: Microwave butter and chocolate in large bowl on high, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted and smooth. Whisk in sugar, then eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. With a rubber spatula, stir in flour, cocoa powder and salt just until blended. Stir in pecans. Divide batter evenly amoun baking cups, or spread into baking pan.
-
3
Bake 20 to 22 minutes for foil cups, 24 to 26 minutes for baking pan, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely. Remove brownies from cups or, holding foil by ends, lift from pan, cut out 12 hearts with cookie cutter and carefully remove foil.
-
4
Sauce: Drain pie filling in a colander; discard liquid. Mix 1 tbsp cranberry juice and the cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir remaining juice and the sugar in a 10 in skillet over medium-high heat until it boils and sugar dissolves. Using a whisk, stir in cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Add almond extract and cherries; stir 3 minutes or until hot.
-
5
Slowly pour brandy over cherries and carefully ignite with a long match. Shake pan back and forth until flames die out.
-
6
Top each with a small scoop of ice cream, then warm or room temperature sauce.
