chocolate nut brownies

here is one of my tried and true recipes for brownies.  there will never again be the need to purchase one of those dreadful brownie mixes from the market.  these brownies are tasty, easy to make, and just the right amount to make for your family.  this recipe will serve approximately 6-8 people.  what is so wonderful about this easy recipe is that is it can be baked in a nine inch ceramic round or pie dish.  i like to top the brownies with a bit of whipped cream and a small drizzle of chocolate sauce, but they can be also served warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

here is the recipe i have saved for years from fine cooking magazine, fall 2003.  as usual, i have included my techniques as well.

preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  lightly spray the ceramic dish with canola oil.  in a medium bowl, mix 2/3 cup all purpose flour, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup chopped semisweet chocolate.  i use 4 baker's squares, 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.  use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the ingredients very well.

the baker's squares work very nicely and by using my chocolate chopper, the chocolate is the perfect size for the recipe.  i purchase my cocoa powder at trader joe's, but any unsweetened natural cocoa powder will work nicely.

to the mixture, add 2 large eggs, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.  mix these ingredients and then scrape into the ceramic dish.  add chopped nuts to the top before baking.  i use chopped pecans.  bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.  i check the center of the dish for doneness.  cool at least 10 minutes if wanting to serve warm.  otherwise, when desired slice into wedges and enjoy.


tip:  i highly recommend this chocolate chopper that i purchased many years ago at Williams-Sonoma.  it is very sturdy and i have used it successfully for numerous recipes.