Super Fudge Brownies

An Easter treat that doesn't really have any ties to Easter other than the fact that it's chocolate.

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It's a recipe I based on Mrs. Fields brownies, but mine are a bit more chocolaty and not quite as sweet.  They are sweet enough though, trust me on that!

Recipe

• 6oz of unsweetened chocolate (six Baker's Unsweetened Baking Chocolate Squares)
• 1/4 cup of dark unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey's Special Dark)
• 1 cup of salted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 large eggs (near room temperature)
• 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of flour, plus one tablespoon
• Optional toppings (e.g. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut flakes, crushed cookies, mini peanut butter cups, candy pieces, etc.) You could also make some serious mocha brownies by adding instant coffee to the batter.  There are many ways to customize these for any occasion requiring delicious brownies.

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
2. Grease  9x9 (or 8x8) pan 
3. Cut butter into small chunks and put into a saucepan on the stove-top on the lowest heat setting and then throw the chocolate squares on top
4. Stir until smooth and remove pan from heat
5. Mix eggs into a large bowl on low/med setting until they are frothy and light yellow (4-5 minutes)
6. Slowly pour sugar into eggs and mix on low speed 1-2 minutes
7. Stir vanilla into mixture
8. Slowly pour melted chocolate/butter mixture into the bowl while mixing on low speed
9. Stir flour and cocoa powder into mixture.  Stir until well blended, but do not over stir
10. Pour batter into pan and spread it out evenly
11. Sprinkle with toppings
12. Bake approx. 35-40 minutes for 9x9 pan; 40-45 minutes for 8x8 pan
13. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes
14. Chill brownies in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes
15. Enjoy your delicious brownies!