Best Brownies EVER

Having eaten a lot of homemade desserts at my friend Nicole's house, I know that making things from scratch is the way to go.  This brownie recipe is from scratch --- and let me tell you --- no more boxed brownie mixes for me!!!  This recipe is fantastic and a chocolate lovers delight.  Enjoy!

Brownies

8 tablespoons butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease and 8x8 baking pan. 

2. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate.  Stir constantly.

3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, vanilla and eggs (one at a time).  Blend in flour and walnuts.

4. Spread in pan and bake 18-20 minutes.  (Both times I've made this, they've been done at the 18 minute mark).


Frosting

6 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unweetened cocoa powder
3-4 tablespoons milk

1. In medium bown with an electric mixer, beat butter and vanilla until creamy.

2. At low speed, gradually add confectioners sugar and cocoa.  Alternate with milk, beating well after each addition until frosting is smooth and fluffy.

3. Apply frosting when brownies are cool. 

Bon appetit!!!!