Fudgy Brownies

CHOCOLATE!! My search for the perfect brownie is ongoing... but these are my current favorite. I know everyone loves something a little different in their brownies, but I love fudgy, chewy, not too sweet, and super chocolaty. These fit the bill, and completely satisfy any chocolate craving of mine in one small bite! Or a few more small bites if you can't help yourself... I made this version with nuts, but you can make the same recipe nut-free. I've adjusted the recipe below to make a smaller batch of brownies. To bake a 9x13-pan size batch, multiply everything by 2. To make a half-sheet-pan (12x18x1) size batch, multiply everything by 3.


RECIPE: Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies
adapted for one 8x8" or 9x9" pan
cut into 16-20 squares

INGREDIENTS:
5 oz butter (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons)
9 oz semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (2 squares if you use solid Baker's chocolate)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup flour, plus 1 tablespoon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8" or 9x9" baking pan.

Melt together the butter, 5 ounces of the chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and remaining chocolate chips (4 ounces) in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour into the baking pan.

Bake for 15 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into squares.