Chocolate brownie recipe - by popular demand!

As often as not the cottage guests have these waiting for them when they arrive....As often as not they get a mention in the guestbook too!  I am regularly being asked for the recipe and it is on the old part of the blog on the website but it is worth repeating on here too.  


They are SO easy.....
 
Oven on to about 180-190^oC (350 - 375^oF, Gas 5 - 6) and line a shallow baking tin - 20cm x 30cm is a good size.  I find the reusable silicon linings are ideal.


Melt 200g of dark cooking chocolate with 175g unsalted butter.  I do this in a microwave, starting with the chocolate for about 3 minutes and adding the butter for the last minute as it takes less time to melt.  DO keep a close eye and stir regularly.  You can also do it in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.


Whilst this is melting, in a bowl measure out:
300g sugar, preferably caster but it doesn't seem to matter if it is granulated
100g plain flour
75g chocolate powder or cocoa which gives a better flavour
1tspn baking powder (don't worry if you miss this out - they will still be just as yummy!)


Beat 4 eggs together and mix all ingredients together well and pour into the tray.  
Cook for about 20 mins.  Take out and leave to cool completely before cutting.   Sometimes I leave them to cool in the oven for a bit. Up to you really.
 
You could eat them warm with cream or icecream, maybe some raspberries.  When cold they keep for a surprisingly long time.....in theory!

They can also be made in a coeliac friendly version - use a gluten free flour, leave out the baking powder and make sure you use cocoa rather than drinking chocolate.  You really wouldn't know the difference!
 
So far I have experimented by adding brandied cherries, marshmallows, fudge, chocolate chips, nuts.  All delicious.  How could they not be?


Enjoy!