Preheat oven to 350° F, grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan
Melt in a microwave safe bowl in microwave at HIGH (100%) for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes (or this could be done in a double boiler), until smooth when stirred:
| 4 | ounces unsweetened baking chocolate |
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| 3/4 | cup butter |
Add and stir till well blended:
| 1 1/2 | cups sugar |
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Add and stir:
| 3 | eggs |
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| 1 1/2 | teaspoons vanilla extract |
Add and stir:
| 1 1/2 | cup all-purpose flour |
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| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 | teaspoon backing powder |
Mix in:
| 1 | cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) |
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| 1/2 | cup chocolate chips (optional) |
Pour into pan and spread evenly across bottom.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
Cool on wire rack. Cut when still slightly warm.
Chocolate Frosting |
| 3 | ounces unsweetened baking chocolate |
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| 1/4 | cup butter |
Allow to cool slightly and sift in:
| 2 | cups powdered sugar |
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| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
Add:
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
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| 1/4 | cup cream or milk, heated |
Mix till smooth. If frosting is too thin sift in more sugar a tablespoon at a time. If too thick add a little more milk or cream.
Spread frosting on to brownies after the brownies have cooled.