Brownies Are a Treat That's Easy to Make from Scratch

Rich, chocolately, brownies are always a treat in our house. While store-bought mixes are convenient to use, they're actually really easy to make from scratch, and require only a minimum of ingredients. Our go-to recipe is adapted from the one attributed to actress Katharine Hepburn. Not only was she one of Hollywood's most celebrated leading ladies, but she apparently made a delicious brownie, too.

Try not to overcook these. They should be moist and fudgy, not dry and cakey, and Katharine would definitely disapprove.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cocoa powder or 2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened chocolate
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a heavy saucepan, melt butter together with the cocoa or chocolate over medium low heat, whisking constantly until blended. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and nuts and mix well.

Pour into a well buttered or parchment-paper-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely and cut into squares.