Brownies are delicious any time of year and a session in the kitchen whipping up a delicious treat is a great way to fill in an afternoon in the school holidays.
Try this easy recipe for yummy results.
Ingredients:
1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but recommended)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23x33cm baking pan or line it with baking paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If desired, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake as it can result in dry brownies.
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares.
