From-Scratch Cherry Brownies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (can use shortening)
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond would be good too)
• 2/3 cup dark cherries in light syrup, very well drained
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional) or slivered almond (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F

2. 2

   Grease a 9" square pan.

3. 3

   Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter in the microwave.

4. 4

   Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk briefly to aerate (could sift, but I find it messier).

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, beat eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add sugar in three additions, beating well between additions.

6. 6

   Add the butter/chocolate mixture to the egg/sugar mixture and mix thoroughly.

7. 7

   Add the wet mixture to the dry. Stir very gently just until combined.

8. 8

   Add cherries and chips and stir just until distributed.

9. 9

   Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle top with nuts if desired.

10. 10

    Bake for 20-30 minutes. The edges should pull away from the pan slightly when they're done. Don't overbake.

11. 11

    Note: The original recipe says 20 minutes. Mine took 30. I can't tell if my oven's off or the cherries are causing the baking time to be longer.