These are really good and I make them with Trader Joe's candied pecans so they should go down well with any US fans.
Pre heat the oven to 180C, 160C fan assisted, 350F , Gas 4 Line and butter a baking tin measuring 7in x 11in ( 18cm x 28cm), many places sell tins / pans specifically for baking brownies.
Recipe
75g dark chocolate with 70 -75% cocoa solids
2 large eggs beaten
225g granulated sugar
75g self raising flour
125g of pecans ( you may use half pecans and half Brazil nuts, if you live in the US and can get Trader Joe's candied pecans use those and it will save you toasting the nuts as they are already toasted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional You may top your brownies with any of the following and what ever else you might want to try, thin Oreo cookies, chopped up chocolate bars, or leave them plain.
Method If you are not using Trader Joe's ready toasted nuts place the nut on a baking sheet and toast lightly in a moderate oven (the pre heated oven temperature is a moderate oven)
Meanwhile place the butter and chocolate in a microwaveable bowl Cut the butter and chocolate into small pieces so that they melt evenly. Microwave on medium heat for 1 minute and then remove to stir, repeat this again and it should be mostly melted (only ever microwave chocolate on low to medium and for one minute at a time to prevent it from burning). When the butter and chocolate are melted beat the mixture until smooth then fold in the other ingredients , blend gently but thoroughly so that you don't knock the air out of the mixture. Spread the mixture evenly in the tin and add the extra topping at this point if you wish. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 20 minutes, the centre should be very moist and if you gently shake the tin it should wobble slightly. Remove the tin from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and allow to go completely cold before removing from the tin. The brownies will keep well in an airtight tin (about a week if they last that long)
On high days and holidays I make a very special pudding, I had it in TGI Fridays over 30 years ago and still love it as a treat.
To serve 4 Place 4 brownies on a microwaveable dish and heat for 1 minute until warm. Roughly chop the brownies and share them out between 4 sundae glasses . Then spoon a scoop or two of good quality ice cream followed by a generous piping of whipped cream, top with malteses, chocolate chips, a drizzle of salted caramel, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or what ever takes your fancy and then serve straight away.
Don't feel guilty if you only have it twice a year and stay off the fats for a day or so after you will be fine.
