Brownies from Joy

I love these brownies. I don't always love brownies. I don't like it when brownies are like cake because then they are cake... not brownies (makes sense, right?). I don't like it when brownies are too gooey because then they are like pudding... not brownies. These brownies are just right... AND easy! What could be better. I've made them a few times and have never yet been disappointed by them.

They come to me from Joy the baker. Her website is great. If you haven't already checked it out, go over and give it a look. It is definitely not for those of you looking for some low-fat cooking alternatives but just good honest baking and lovely-to-read banter. She sounds like a fun girl to hang with! AND she's a baker!!!

But the real star of this post is brownies, let's not forget. These ones have cocoa powder in them which I always thought tended to dry things out but these brownies come out nice and chewy. I also added some chocolate chips and walnuts - just like the recipe said. These little gems last well throughout the week (well, let's say for four days or so) and I use them as my snack when I'm at work (no chemi-hard-to-pronounce-ingredients snacks!!!)

Old School Fudge Brownies

(from Joy the Baker)

1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

3/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tbsp strong coffee

2 lg eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup (1 lg handful) walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup chocolate chips (I used about 1/2 a cup though)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Grease a 10 inch round or 9x13 baking pan.

In a heat proof bowl over lightly simmer water melt the butter and cocoa powder. Add the coffee and stir the melted ingredients together. Set aside.

In another bowl mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and whisk until combined. Slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Add the flour and stir to combine. Throw in the walnuts and the chocolate chips and combine.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 18 - 25 minutes. (I always find that I'm taking closer to 30 minutes, probably my oven)