Brownie Lift-Off
9 to 12 brownies
3 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Beat in sugar and eggs.
Stir in flour, salt, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Pour batter into baking pan.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is dry and almost firm to the touch. Cool in pan then cut into squares or rocket shapes.
SERVING To use the space theme, serve rocket- or space shuttle-shaped brownies on a "cloud" of whipped cream or whipped topping.
