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Rich and Chewy Chocolate Brownies
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
2 bars (8 ounces each) dark chocolate baking bar, broken into small pieces
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-by-13-inch baking pan; set aside.
In large microwave-safe bowl, microwave sugar, butter and water on high power for 3 minutes, or until mixture boils, stirring once.
Add chocolate and stir until melted. Stir in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts.
Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out still slightly sticky. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Yields 2 dozen brownies.