8.13.2009

Plain & Simple Fudgy Brownies

I'm back! I had taken an extended vacation after having come back from Colombia and just enjoyed what was left of my summer break. School starts again in 2 weeks, and I decided to start up the blogging again to document what I've been doing these past couple of weeks. I decided to add another book to my weekly recipe choices, and that would be Brownies To Die For! by Bev Shaffer. The first recipe in this book is one for Plain & Simple Fudgy Brownies. "This is the recipe [Bev] make[s] at home again and again when [she] want[s] to get that quick but oh-so-delicious brownie fix."

This recipe features a side note that is titled Bev's Bite:
"Walnuts and pecans should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid. To crisp up their taste again, lightly toast them before using. The easiest way to do this is to spread them in a large, dry skillet and toast them on the burner over low/medium heat until fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning. This takes several minutes. Cool completely before using in a recipe."

Plain & Simple Fudgy Brownies
*makes about 2 dozen*

Ingredients:
4 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

Directions:
1) Heat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 13x9" baking pan.
2) Melt the chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring to blend. Remove pan from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3) Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and nuts. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until the brownies just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Brownies will be dry if overbaked! Cool pan slightly (or just until the brownies will no longer burn the roof of your mouth!). Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts (per brownie):
Calories 202, Calories from Fat 104, Total Fat 11.6g, Saturated Fat 5.2g, Cholesterol 49mg, Sodium 146mg, Total Carbohydrates 23.8g, Dietary Fiber 1.3g, Sugars 16.8g, Protein 3.6g

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