Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
  
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee crystals
  
• 1 cup butter
  
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces
  
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 4 lightly beaten eggs
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
  
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
  
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
  
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee crystals
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  
• Coarsely chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
  
• Instant espresso powder (optional)