Let your creativity come out when preparing these rich brownies — add chocolate chips to walnuts, or maybe some coconut.
5 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
5 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, optional
1 small mashed banana, optional
2 tablespoons instant coffee, optional
1 teaspoon grated orange rind, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13x9x2-inch pan.
Melt the chocolate in a sauce pan on low heat. Let it cool about 10 minutes. Cream the butter and sugar in a medium-sized bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Stir constantly as you drizzle in the melted chocolate. After all the chocolate is in, beat well for a minute or two.
Stir in flour and any optional ingredients. Mix just enough to blend thoroughly. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into squares while still hot, then allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 24 bars.