Homestyle Brownies

This is the recipe my family has used for decades to make the perfect brownies. They balance the toothy density of fudge with the lightness of cake. They're not healthy by any means but they are absolutely good for your soul.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1: Preheat oven to 350F

Step 2

Grease 9"x9" square baking pan

Step 3

In saucepan on low heat, melt chocolate and shortening

Step 4

Remove saucepan from heat, pour into stand mixer bowl

Step 5

Turn on mixer. Beat in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 6

In separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients.

Step 7

Slowly add dry ingredients to mixer bowl, blending the batter until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8

Pour batter into baking pan. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula, and tap the pan on the counter to release trapped air bubbles.

Step 9

Bake 30-35 minutes, or until brownies pull away from edge of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 10

Cool briefly (10 minutes), then serve if desired.

Step 11

Optional: after brief cooldown, cut into squares and wrap individually in plastic. This retains the moisture so you can have a good-as-fresh-baked brownie anytime!