Calling All Chocoholics

Even if I just whisper the word ‘chocolate,’ every family member in my house will find their way to the kitchen in 30 seconds.  They have good reason to be optimistic. 

My son Kevin and I wrote a chocolate cookbook--“Chocolate on the Brain”--so we have a wide range of desserts and snacks to draw from.  You may have baked some of our favorites--Chocolate Chip Bagels,  Chocolate Banana Bread and Lava Cookies.

Now it’s time to introduce you to
our sentimental favorite—Grandma’s Brownies—invented by Bart’s mother.  A staple in our family during any holiday, these brownies are easy to make and hard to stop eating.   

Grandma’s Brownies – makes 25 (adapted from "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen!") 

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter + more for greasing pan
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup flour + 1 teaspoon for dusting pan
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

Place one of the oven racks in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Melt the butter and chocolate in a small pot over very low heat.  Remove from the heat when the chocolate is more than half melted and stir.  It will finish melting as it cools. 

Beat the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl.  Use a mixer if you have one.  Otherwise a fork or whisk will do.  Add the sugar gradually and mix thoroughly.  Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix again.  Add the flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla and mix well. 

Lightly rub the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8-inch pan with butter.  Add the 1 tablespoon flour and swirl it around, coating the buttered surfaces.  This keeps the brownies from sticking to the pan. 

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a cake tester or a knife comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Remove from the oven and cool on a rack. Cut into squares and serve.  Store in a closed container or wrapped in foil.

              For easy recipes, order "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen!"