1 c. butter
3/4 c. cocoa
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in cocoa, blending until smooth. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs. Beat until thoroughly combined. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until top is dry and brownies just begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool; sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Cut into squares. Makes 36 brownies.