Brownies have so much going for them; great flavor, easy to make, and so versatile. The simplest brownies are made with just melted chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour.

SERVES : 2

INGREDIENTS :

• 4 ounces (120 grams) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (95 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Ganache:

• 3 ounces (90 grams) semi sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

METHOD

Chocolate Brownies :

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, an 8 inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
• Melt the chocolate and butter in a large stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the flour and salt.
• Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Chocolate Ganache:

• Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized stainless steel bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk or spoon until smooth. Let cool to room temperature and then spread the ganache over the brownies. I like to store these brownies in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen.