Fudge Brownies

I’ve been using this recipe for years and years. The round pan will give you a dessert that looks more like a cake than a cookie.

½ cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
Note: You can melt the chocolate in a microwave for 4 minutes at 50 percent power.
½ cup flour, sifted
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup walnuts, optional

1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs.
2. Blend in melted chocolate. Stir in flour and nuts.
3. Grease an 8x8 square or an 8-inch round pan. If you are using the round one, line it with parchment paper for easier brownie removal. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in a 325ºF oven for 30-35 minutes. The round one may take slightly longer.
4. Cool and cut into 16 squares or as for a cake. You can serve with Oven-Roasted Strawberries.

You dramatically improve the quality of the brownies if you use good chocolate.

Makes 16 squares or 8-10 slices
Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook