Brownies

This is Joy taking a turn on the recipe blog today! Brownies were always one of our favorite quick and easy desserts growing up. Mom used to say that she couldn't understand why anyone ever bought brownie mixes - there are really only five main ingredients in brownies, plus a little salt and vanilla to enhance the flavor.

Officially the recipe (originally from the Joy of Cooking) contains 1 teaspoon of vanilla, but Mom always doubled it.

4 oz unsweetened chocolate

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350°.

Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave or double boiler, then cool slightly. If you use a microwave, heat for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, to make sure you don't burn the chocolate.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs together in a bowl until well mixed, then add sugar, salt and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the melted chocolate, and then the flour.

Pour into an oblong top, smooth the top, and bake for 25 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with only crumbs.

It's not safe to eat the batter, since it contains a lot of raw egg. However, I don't think that has ever stopped us.