4 (1 oz. ea.) sq. unsweetened chocolate, broken into pieces
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped nuts; peanuts or walnuts (optional)
extra butter to grease pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.

Melt butter and chocolate together in microwave. Stir in sugar and eggs. Then add vanilla, flour and chopped nuts (if using). Pour into prepared pan and spread with spatula.

Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.

WARNING: Do NOT over bake!

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 to 3 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter in a small bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spread consistency. Stir in the vanilla.

This will make about 1 cup of frosting for brownies.

Submitted by: South Dakota's Cookie Monster