Classic Brownies

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 4 ounces pecans (optional) or 4 ounces walnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 one-inch pieces
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Recipe

• 1 adjust the oven rack to the middle position; heat oven to 325º f.
• 2 cut an 18 inch length of foil and fold lengthwise to an 8 inch width. fit foil into length of 13 by 9 inch baking dish, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhang pan edges. cut 14 inch length foil and, if using extra-wide foil, fold lengthwise to 12-inch width; fit into width of baking pan in same manner, perpendicular to first sheet. spray foil-lined pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• 3 if using nuts, spread nuts evenly on rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. set aside to cool.
• 4 whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside.
• 5 place chocolate and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir and heat for 30 seconds more. stir again and, if necessary, repeat in 15 second increments; do not let the chocolate burn.
• 6 when chocolate mixture is completely smooth, gradually whisk in the sugar. add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until thoroughly combined. whisk in vanilla.
• 7 add flour mixture in three additions, folding with rubber spatula until batter is completely smooth and homogenous.
• 8 transfer batter to prepared pan; using spatula, spread batter into corners of pan and smooth surface. sprinkle toasted nuts (if using) evenly over batter and bake until toothpick inserted into center of brownies comes out with few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes.
• 9 cool on wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours, then remove brownies from pan by lifting foil overhang. cut brownies into 2-inch squares and serve.