Gooey Brownies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture.
4. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the chocolate mixture. Stir in the walnuts, if desired.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Interesting Facts

• Brownies were first created in the United States in the late 1800s.
• Brownies were originally a chocolate cake, but over time the recipe was changed to create a denser, fudgier texture.
• The nuts in brownies are optional, but they do add a delicious crunchy texture.