Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 ounces baking chocolate squares, broken into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. 2

   Microwave sugar, butter and water in large microwave-safe bowl on high power for 4-5 minutes or until mixture bubbles, stirring once. Remove from heat. Add chocolate baking squares; stir until melted.

3. 3

   Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.

4. 4

   Bake for 15-20 minutes or untill wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

5. 5

   FOR THE SAUCEPAN METHOD: Heat sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add chocolate baking squares; stir until melted. Proceed as above.

6. 6

   CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE VARIATION; Prepare brownie batter; do not pour in pan. Beat 8oz. softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoons vanilla in small mixer bowl until smooth. Beat in 1 egg. pour brownie batter into pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over top; swirl with spoon. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

7. 7

   PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE BROWNIE VARIATION: Prepare brownie batter without nuts; do not pour into pan; combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons milk in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Pour brownie batter into pan. Spoon peanut butter mixture over top; swirl with spoon. Bake 20-25 minutes.

8. 8

   ROCKY ROAD BROWNIE VERSION: Prepare brownie batter without nuts; Bake as directed. While still hot, sprinkle the 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows, 1/3 cup chopped nuts, and 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Bake for another 2-3 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed and chocolate chips are shiny.