Fudgy Brownies

Three Fudgy Brownies
Originally uploaded by Lynnylu.

Recipe From Gourmet's Casual Entertaining Cookbook

Shortbread Base

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Process all ingredients in a food processor until mixture begins to form small lumps. Sprinkle into a 13-by 9-by 2-inch baking pan and press evenly onto bottom with a metal spatula. Bake shortbread in middle of oven until golden, about 20 minutes.

Fudgy Brownie Bars

Hot shortbread base (recipe above)

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), coarsely chopped
2 sticks ( 1 cup) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

Prepare topping while shortbread bakes:

Melt chocolate with butter in a small saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Add eggs, beating with a fork until incorporated, then stir in flour and salt.

Pour chocolate topping over hot shortbread and spread evenly. Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out with crumbs adhering, about 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan and cut into 24 bars.

Makes 24 bars and will keep, covered , 5 days at room temperature.

There are substitutes for the bittersweet chocolate, but it's easier just to buy the chocolate. I used Ghiardelli bittersweet chocolate. This is a very rich brownie.

Photo by Lynnylu-Canon 5D 50 mm lens, natural light with reflector.