Top the brownies with additional chopped nuts, if desired.
Fudge brownies are undoubtedly delicious, but making them from scratch may seem like a daunting task. Instead of reaching for a boxed brownie mix, try this easy recipe. It doesn't require any special equipment or ingredients or even a lot of time - it's sweet and simple, just the way brownies are meant to be.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9-inch square or 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the sugar and 1/2 cup of butter in the mixing bowl of a standing mixer or with a hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time and beat the mixture until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Bring a double boiler to a simmer. If you do not have a double boiler, fill a large pot with 1 to 2 inches of water and bring the water to a simmer; place a heat-proof bowl over the pot. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of butter and the chocolate in the top of the double boiler or the heat-proof bowl. Allow the butter and chocolate to melt, stirring constantly. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then stir it into the butter and sugar mixture.
4. Combine the flour, nuts and salt in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture slowly, stirring constantly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake 30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the brownies; when removed, the toothpick should have just a bit of brownie batter on it.
Tags: double boiler, butter chocolate, heat-proof bowl, mixing bowl, mixture into, stirring constantly