Brownies Anyone?

I'll be the first to admit that brownies used to not be my favorite dessert. Until I discovered my most recent recipe, I actually greatly disliked brownies. Do you ever notice the variety of flavors and textures? I mean, there's burnt, there's deliciously moist, there's the kind with nuts (gross), and there's also kinds with chocolate chips. It seems that you can do most anything with a brownie. The best thing you can do with a brownie is to make it from scratch! NO BOX REQUIRED!!


Every now and then I get this overwhelming desire for sugar. I'd like candy (Whoppers anyone?) or ice cream, but I rarely have either in my house. Then I discovered homemade brownies. I originally made some for my husband with the intention of just letting him have the cooked stuff and I'd eat the batter. The first batch I burned. Nasty. It took a few tries, but I discovered the secret ingredient.... BUTTER! Yes, oil just isn't as good. I can't figure it out. Kudos to you if you can!

Here is my recipe:

Brownies
1/2 cup  butter
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the egg mixture until well blended. Stir in walnuts, if desired. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (note the picture) Let cool.

** You can think of it like a cake, where if you stick in the toothpick and it comes out clean that it's done. I don't follow this, I stick in the toothpick and if the last quarter of an inch has the brownie on it, then it's done. This creates a very moist brownie and is so perfect. People rave about it.


If you use a dark, non stick pan-- set the oven to 50* cooler and keep checking the brownie at the 20 minute mark.


Happy Baking!