Classic Fudge Brownies

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup pecan halves (or pieces)
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)

Recipe

• 1 grease a 9-inch square pan; line with parchment paper so that there is an approx 2 inch overhang on all sides.
• 2 preheat oven to 350°.
• 3 break the 3 1/2 oz chocolate into pieces and put in a heatproof bowl.
• 4 set the bowl over a pan of steaming water and melt the chocolate gently, stirring frequently.
• 5 do not let the base of the bowl touch the water; remove the bowl from the pan and set aside until needed.
• 6 put the butter in a large mixing bowl and use a hand-held electric mixer to beat until soft and creamy.
• 7 add in the sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture is soft and fluffy.
• 8 gradually beat in the eggs; then beat in the melted chocolate.
• 9 sift the flour and cocoa directly onto the mixture and stir inches.
• 10 when thoroughly combined add the nuts and the chopped chocolate and stir inches.
• 11 transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spread evenly, and level the surface.
• 12 bake for 25-30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out just clean.
• 13 remove pan from oven.
• 14 leave to cool in pan until just warm before removing and cutting into 20 pieces.
• 15 best eaten warm.
• 16 once cold, store in an airtight container and eat within 5 days.