Chocolate Brownies

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 40-50 minutes
Makes 24

Ingredients

150g butter, chopped
125g dark chocolate, chopped
3 eggs (at room temperature), lightly beaten
1½ cups (375g) caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup (125g) plain flour
¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
Icing sugar, to dust
Strawberries, whipped cream, ice cream to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) square tin with oil or melted butter. Line the base with baking paper, extending over two opposite sides (to help you lift the brownies out).
2. Place chocolate and butter in a microwavable bowl. Melt in microwave for 30-45 seconds and stir until smooth. Set the bowl aside and cool slightly.
3. Use a whisk to beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl. Add the melted chocolate mixture and whisk together. Stir in the combined sifted flour and cocoa. Do not over beat.
4. Pour into the tin and bake for 40 minutes, or until slightly risen and just firm. Leave to cool in the tin (the brownie will sink back down on cooling). Lift out and cut into squares. Dust with icing sugar, serve with whipped cream and/or ice cream and/or strawberries. Yum! :)