Picnic Brownies

“Our favorite home-made brownies.”

4 ounces baking chocolate (can also use 12 tablespoons cocoa powder and 4 tablespoons vegetable oil)

1 cup butter (not margarine)

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs

1 3/4 cups flour

2/3 cup walnuts, pecans, or almonds (optional)

1 cup chocolate chips

1. Grease two 9 inch round pans. 

2. In top of a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter.

3. In medium bowl, mix sugar, vanilla, and salt; add to melted chocolate mixture and blend well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and mix well. 

4. Divide batter equally into prepared pans. Spread evenly and sprinkle top of each with nuts and chocolate chips.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Do not overbake. Allow to cool completely before cutting. Run a knife around  edges and cut into pie-shaped pieces. 

Makes 16 brownies. These brownies are called picnic brownies because they travel well.