1 lb. (2 1/2 cups) light brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
2 tbsp. strong instant coffee powder
1 tbsp. hot water
2 eggs
2 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate bits

1. Heat brown sugar and butter in a medium size saucepan over medium low heat until the butter melts. Dissolve coffee in hot water and stir into butter mixture. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11x8-inch baking pan.

3. When butter mixture is cool, beat in eggs and vanilla with a hand held mixer.

4. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together and stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon. Stir in nuts and chocolate bits.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in prepared pan with a rubber spatula. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE.

6. Cool completely and cut into squares.

Makes 24 brownies.