Double Chocolate Brownies

I am about to share an old family recipe with you. Okay, actually it might not qualify as "old," but it is a family recipe . . . my Dad has been making these brownies for as long as I can remember. They are very rich and fudgy - and very delicious! Although they are easy to make, we usually reserve them for special occasions.

I think this recipe would be easy to change if you like a little variety. For example, you could use chocolate chunks, dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips. You could add nuts - almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc. Coconut, if you like. Heath toffee bits, peanut butter chips . . . just about anything. Whatever you do add, I would probably not exceed 1 1/2 cups total of add-ins.

Double Chocolate Brownies
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup butter (unsalted)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghiradelli)
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. water*
optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Line 8 or 9-inch square baking pan** with foil; grease foil.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter. When butter is completely melted (but not yet brown), remove from heat; add 1 cup chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate chips have melted and mixture is smooth.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla and water. Stir until combined. Add chocolate mixture and stir/whisk until well blended. Gradually stir in flour mixture; add remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour into prepared baking pan.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing.

Notes:
* You could substitute 2 tbsp. flavored liquor - I bet Kahlua would be good in these!
** An 8-inch pan will give you thicker brownies and may require an additional minute or two of baking time. I used a 9-inch pan and because they are so rich and fudgy, I thought they were thick enough! My dad uses a 9-inch springform pan and slices the brownies like a tart, which also works well.