Perfect Brownies

Eveyone's idea of the perfect brownie is different--but this is one that could possible be all things to all people--fudgy, chewy, cakey---. You can add whatever additions you like, nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, toffee bits, M&Ms, etc.--or enjoy them just the way they are. This recipe is from the 1999 edition of The Best American Recipes.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 4  ounces bittersweet chocolate or 4  ounces  semisweet chocolate
• 2  ounces  unsweetened chocolate
• 10  tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons)
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 2  teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3  large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts or 3⁄4 cup pecans or 3⁄4 cup  macadamia nuts or 3⁄4 cup pecans, toasted (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F with rack on the lower-middle level.
2. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray.
3. Cut a 16-x-8-inch sheet of foil into the pan and up and over two sides and roll up overhanging sides (you will use this as a handle to remove brownies after they are cooked).
4. Spray the foil with non-stick spray as well.
5. In small bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking powder.
6. In a medium-sized bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together (you can do this in microwave, or over a pan of simmering water).
7. After the chocolate is melted, remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar and vanilla.
8. Whisk in the eggs one at a time.
9. Continue to stir until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
10. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated.
11. Stir in the nuts if you are using them.
12. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
13. Bake until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with wet crums, 35 to 45 minutes (If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are overcooked).
14. Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack fo 5 minutes.
15. Using the foil handles, pull the cooked brownie from the pan and turn it out on the rack upside down, to cool completely, this will take nearly an hour.
16. Cut the brownies into 16 squares.
17. (Note: If you are not going to serve immediately, wrap the whole brownie in plastic wrap, then foil and refrigerae for up to 5 days or freeze).