1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tbsp.)
3/4 c. cocoa
4 eggs, room temperature
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1 c. flour
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

FROSTING:

1 stick butter
1 bag of any flavored chips (chocolate, mint chocolate, or peanut butter)

Melt 1 1/2 sticks butter. Beat in the cocoa until smooth. Set aside the chocolate mixture to cool. Beat the eggs and salt with a whisk until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and sugar gradually. Beat until glossy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture with a few swift strokes (do not beat until uniformly mixed). Add flour and only just enough to uniformly mix it in. Chopped nuts may be added now, if desired. Bake in a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan at 350 degrees for exactly 25 minutes. Cool for about an hour before doing the frosting.

Frosting: Using a low heat, melt a bag of any flavored chips with a stick of butter. Stir regularly until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour the frosting over the brownies and spread evenly. Let the brownies and frosting cool completely before cutting into squares. Store at room temperature in a tightly sealed container so that the brownies don't dry out.