For the Brownies:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Line an 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together over low heat in a medium saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon.
4. Remove from heat and add the sugar. Stir well.
5. Now add your eggs and vanilla, stirring until it’s smooth.
6. Add chocolate chips, flour and vanilla salt. Stir until well blended.
7. Now add the 1/2 cup of M&M's to the batter. Stir just enough to combine. 
8. Pour into pan and smooth out the top. 
9. Place the pan in the pre-heated oven. 
10. Bake for 35-45 minutes, toothpick inserted should come out clean when done.
11. Remove and cool on a rack.

For the Frosting:

1. Melt the milk chocolate first so it has time to cool down considerably. You can melt it in the microwave, or use the double boiler method. Set aside once it's melted, you want it to cool a bit or it will make your frosting runny.
2. Combine the butter and confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Mix on low-speed initially, then increase speed gradually. Cream the butter and sugar together for about 2 to 3 minutes. 
3. Add the cocoa powder and melted chocolate to the bowl, mix until combined, about 1 minute. 
4. Now add the almond extract and 2 tablespoons of milk and mix again until smooth. If you find the frosting too thick you can add another 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until you get the desired consistency you like. 
5. Spread the frosting over the brownies. Smooth out the top. 
6. Now add M&M's any which way you like. I put less on top to make it easier to cut the brownies. You can use more, less, or cut the brownies first then toss M&M's over top. Any way you decorate the top is perfection, I mean it's M&M's and brownies. There is no wrong way to do this. 
7. Serve with a big old M&M loving smile!