Deep Dark Chewy Cocoa Brownies

I wish you could smell these!

At home growing up we used both cocoa and chocolate for baking but faced with having no chocolate we always had cocoa and soon learned it could be substituted and in my opinion was better tasting! So I always go for the cocoa recipes! As you may know I am dieting "pre" knee surgery and I have a "free day" when I can eat whatever I want!  I start mine at supper Sat. night and run it through Supper Sun. night.  So, I am really looking forward to these! And yes, I have lost 10 pounds and am quite happy! (See Slow Carb Diet)

This recipe is all over the Internet.  Every place I looked it was there so I have no idea of it's origins.  I used the one found on inspiredtaste.net only because it was the first one I clicked onto.

Ingredients for Fudgy Brownies:

10 T. butter
1 1/4 C. sugar
3/4 C. + 2 T. unsweetened cocoa
1/4 t. kosher salt
1 t. vanilla
2 large cold eggs
1/2 C. all-purpose flour
2/3 C. chopped nuts, optional

Place the oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.  Line the bottom and sides of an eight inch square pan with foil or parchment paper. leaving overhangs.       

Form a double boiler by placing a small amount of water in a pan and bring to a simmer.  Set a heat proof bowl above the simmering water,  Be sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.  Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in the bowl and stir occasionally as the butter melts.

After the butter is melted and the mixture is stirred together remove it from the heal and cool for 5 minutes.  It should be warm not hot.

Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon.  Next add the eggs one at a time stirring vigorously after each.  When the batter is thick and shiny add the flour stirring until incorporated.  Now beat for 40 or 50 strokes.  Stir in the nuts.

16 lovely squares of deliciousness!

Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out ALMOST clean.  Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.  Yield 16 squares.