Fudgey, Chewy, Chocolate Brownies

   What could be better than a chocolate brownie and a glass of ice cold milk?  That was all I could think about when I finally caved and made these.  This has been my go to recipe for the last 10 years.  I'm sure there are other great chocolate brownie recipes out there, but I've never felt the need to search for them.  This one does just fine! 

                               CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
                                      adapted  from Martha Stewart Living

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 - 1 ounce squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1.  Preheat the oven to 350˚F.  Butter an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan
2.  Melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together.  Stir well.
3.  In a bowl, combine the butter-chocolate mixture with the sugar, flour, nuts (if using), baking powder and vanilla.  Stir well.
4.  Add the eggs and mix thoroughly.  Stir in the chocolate chips.
5.  Pour batter into prepared pan.  You can also scatter the nuts on top at this point, if desired. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes.  The brownies should be moist and chewy.  Start checking at 25 minutes (better under-done than over-done).  Cool thoroughly before cutting.