dark and chewy brownies

We are expecting another three days of snow, and most everyone I know is at the "enough already" point. During our recent 12 below zero weather, I did what any sensible person would do - putter around in a warm kitchen. First I made a batch of marmalade from my now enormous orange tree, then I made two batches of brownies - one with toasted walnuts, and one without nuts for my mother. Dark, chewy, solid - these are marvelous brownies to have around when cabin fever hits.

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I used a recipe from Maida Heatter's American Desserts, and the only thing I changed was to add a little more vanilla and a few less walnuts. Tempted to add a pinch of chile powder, though!

To make one 8"x 8" pan of brownies

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Preheat oven to 325F.

Turn your brownies pan over, and fit a piece of foil (shiny side down) over the pan, pressing to form the foil to the pan. Remove the molded foil gently, flip the pan over, and fit into the pan, smoothing well against the corners. Butter the foil and set aside the pan.

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2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate ( I used 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips)

1 stick ( 8 oz) unsalted butter

1/4 t. kosher salt

1 t. good vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup King Arthur all purpose flour

1/2 cup toasted, chopped walnuts ( the recipe called for 1 cup)

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Place the chocolates and the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan and melt, stirring well until completely melted. Remove from heat.

Scrape the melted chocolate and butter mixture into a mixer bowl, then add the salt, vanilla and sugar and mix. Add the eggs one at a time and mix, then add the flour and nuts. This makes the most delectable batter - you'll be tempted to skip the baking part!

Scrape the mixture into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and place in freezer for an hour.

Remove the plastic, lift out the now-frozen brownies by the foil, and turn over onto a counter or board. Peel off the foil, trim off the edges, and using a ruler, cut the brownies to the size you wish.

Enjoy!