Brownies

I love baking. I love baking from scratch. I like knowing everything that is going into what I make and I don't like a lot of the chemicals that come from boxes. HOWEVER, I must admit...I prefer box brownies to scratch. There, I said it.

Sometimes we get a craving for brownies, but I don't have a box on hand. I have tried many brownie recipes trying to find one that will at least satisfy me the way a Betty Crocker box brownie does. It's been tough, but I think I have found a close facimile. It's pretty doggone good. The even better thing...my family likes them, especially Anthony. The real test will be if my friend Laura likes them. She shares my box brownie love. Enjoy.

Brownies
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 inch square pan.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and water. Cook over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until brownies set up and toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake. Cool in pan and cut into squares.

Okay, I just took a batch of these out of the oven as I was posting this and I have a little to add. Literally. They need even more chocolate. I'd either increase the chocolate chips by 1/2 cup originally, or toss them in at the end before putting into the pan. Wow, these are yummy! Anthony said, "Don't ever give me store bought again. These are so good!"