This recipe was found at: http://www.myhomecooking.net/brownies/brownie-recipe.htm. I really like this because the site comes with photos of each step, making this a great recipe for beginners to follow.

Comments/Tips: When I made these brownies, the batter was a little thick. I just added a small amount of water (about 1-2 tbsp) and the batter was instantly smoother and easier to mix. It does not affect the taste at all. To even out the batter once it is in the pan, just gently wiggle the pan from side to side.

Brownie Recipe

Yields: 12 small brownies OR 9 large brownies.

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup flour plus about 2-3 tbsp extra for flouring the pan
• 2 eggs
• optional: 1 cup nuts (toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts are the best)

Materials:

• 8x8 baking pan
• measuring cups (1 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup)
• measuring spoons (1 tbsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp)
• spatula
• mixing spoon
• shortening

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. In a microwavable dish, melt the 1/4 cup of butter (make sure the butter is completely melted, otherwise it will not mix in with the other ingredients, and you will have to start over).
3. Pour the butter into a large mixing bowl and stir the 6 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa in.
4. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth. If you would like to add nuts, gently stir them in.
5. Flour the baking pan. First, cover the pan with shortening or butter. Then, sprinkle the extra few extra tablespoons of flour into the pan and shake it until the sides and bottom are covered. This is so the brownies will not stick to the pan.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
8. Let brownies cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

This recipe is from Nestle's baking website: http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?ID=29519.

Comments/Tips: none

Chewy Cocoa Brownies

Estimated Times:
Preparation - 20 min Cooking - 25 min Yields - 24 brownies (2 dozen)

Moist and chewy, these brownies will be a hit whether as an afternoon snack or topped with ice cream and served as an after dinner dessert.
Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• powdered sugar