Chocolate therapy

I know you all know what I mean by chocolate therapy.

It's comfort.
It's happiness.
Sundays Somedays, it's even love.

This is one of those days.  This is one of those days when not even a cookie will do...I need a brownie.  And surprisingly, I find that brownies are even easier to make than cookies, require less ingredients, and make the entire home smell like the Keebler tree house in no time!

Usually a box mix will do, but since Toby did the shopping (with Evan no less) there will be no mixes this week.  So from scratch it is!  Any cookbook will have a basic brownie recipe, but my favorite ones require you to melt the butter with the chocolate before adding it to the sugar.  Mmmmmm.  They make the best batter.

Sigh....

As I sit here, the calm before the storm of this week, I can bake and write, knowing tonight will be peaceful.  No games.  Homework is done (cross your fingers).  And I am writing/reading after an extremely long day.

So, hopefully I have encouraged you to get out your mixers tonight and enjoy this last bit of summer.

"My Favorite Brownie"

1 Stick butter
2 oz unsweetened chocolate (I didn't have that so just used some chocolate chips instead.  That I ALWAYS  have.
1 Cup Sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Melt the butter and chocolate over low heat.  Remove and cool slightly.  Blend in sugar and vanilla, and beat eggs in one at a time.  Stir in salt, baking powder, flour, and nuts.

Bake @ 350 for 20-25 minutes until set in center.  Do not cool before cutting and burning your tongue on a piping hot corner piece.  Or if you're really having a day, skip dinner and enjoy a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

How's that for some chocolate therapy?

Have a fabulous week!