Hepburn's Brownies

There are several versions about this recipe's origins.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter and flour an 8 inch (20 cm) square baking pan.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water (or in a heavy medium saucepan over low heat). Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and eggs and whisk until well blended. Finally, stir in the flour, salt and chopped nuts (if using).

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out sticky, with just a few crumbs clinging to it, but is not wet. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and let cool completly on a wire rack. Chill if you have the time, then cut into squared. If chilled, let stand at room temperature before serving.These freeze very well.

Makes 16 brownies.