Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies with cocoa and milk chocolate chips. Baked until a thin crust forms while the centre stays moist; dust with icing sugar and serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 150°C/140°C fan/gas 2.

Step 2

Melt the butter or margarine in the microwave. Leave it in only for as long as it takes to melt – it is best if it is not too hot. Allow to cool if it is hot.

Step 3

Beat in the sugar, eggs and vanilla essence.

Step 4

Sieve the flour, cocoa and baking powder together in a separate bowl, then mix through. Add the chocolate chips and mix once more.

Step 5

Add the melted margarine, egg and vanilla essence mix through.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to a square silicone tin or a lined metal tin. The tin should be approximately 23cm x 23cm and about 4cm deep.

Step 7

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a crust has formed on the top but the centre is still moist.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and allow to stand in the tin for 15 minutes. While still warm, sprinkle with icing sugar and cut into squares.

Step 9

Remove from the baking tin and cool fully on a wire rack, or eat warm with cream or ice cream.