Ultimate Brownies

I was watching the Martha Stewart Show and just happened to catch the episode where Matt Lewis from Baked  was showing how to make his Deep, Dark Brownies. I couldn't believe how easy it seemed or how good they looked. I had only ever made the box stuff but decided to give these a try. They turned out much better than the box stuff and almost just as easy so I have made this my go to recipe every time I have a brownie craving. I am not against buying the box stuff and if you must buy one Ghiradelli is the best. However, trust me when I say this is very easy and quite delish.

Ingredients

3/4 Cup all purpose flour

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (I use Droste)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter plus more for pan

3/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder

5 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped (I just use my favorite chips)

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 semi sweet chocolate chips (optional but I always add them)

Directions

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. butter an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper and butter parchment.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large, heavy bottomed sauce pan combine butter and espresso. Place over low hear and stir until butter has melted. Add chocolate, and stir constantly until mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. remove from heat, stir in both sugars until well combined.

4 Add eggs and vanilla and continue stirring until well incorporated and mixture no longer appears grainy. Sift flour mixture over batter and stir until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, if using.

5. Pour batter into prepared baking pan; smooth top with the back of wooden spoon or a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 28 to 30 minutes. Be sure not to over bake. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 9 brownies.

I know it seems like a lot of work but once you do it you realize it really is easy. Of course it will never be as easy as pouring a mix in a bowl with a few ingredients but believe me it is not much more work. The best tip I have for these brownies and even the box stuff is to not over mix once you add the flour. Try these and let me know what your think.