Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

• Additional chopped chocolate for topping, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

1. Melt Butter and Chocolate:

• In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or using short intervals in the microwave, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together until smooth. Stir until well combined.

1. Add Sugar:

• Remove the bowl from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until well incorporated.

1. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. Add Nuts (Optional):

• If using nuts, fold in the chopped nuts into the batter.

1. Pour into Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The exact time may vary, so start checking around 25 minutes.

1. Optional Topping:

• If desired, sprinkle additional chopped chocolate on top during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to melt slightly.

1. Cool:

• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.