Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (or margarine)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 (8 ounce) box semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, Nestle Toll House, broken into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 x 9 inch baking pan.

2. 2

   Microwave sugar, butter and water in a large, microwavable bowl on high (100%) power for 3 minutes or until mixture boils, stirring once. Add baking bars; stir until melted.

3. 3

   Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.

4. 4

   Stir in vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well.

6. 6

   Stir in nuts.

7. 7

   Pour into prepared baking pan.

8. 8

   Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.

9. 9

   Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

10. 10

    FOR SAUCEPAN METHOD: Heat sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add baking bars; stir until melted. Proceed as above.