Ridiculously Easy Brownies

So yeah, this having a wedding and going on a honeymoon thing is quite the time suck. So is the whole having-a-demanding-job thing. Now that I'm hitched and back from my honeymoon, the fact that I quit my full-time gig the week we got married (unrelated, the feminist in me wants you to know!) - it's all sinking in. All of the sudden, I've got a lot of time on my hands. And I've actually got time to ponder the fact that I've got a lot of time on my hands. Both novel concepts. We'll see how I do with this.

Rewind a couple of weeks. Back when time was a scarcity, I managed to eke out 20 minutes and whipped up these Ridiculously Easy Brownies - my favorite brownie recipe for when time is scarce and a homemade treat is in order.

These are everything a brownie should be - chewy, dense, melt-in-your mouth chocolatey. My guy gives 'em a coveted One Grunt Up. And, as I keep mentioning, they're ridiculously easy - one bowl, one sheet of foil, one pan, done.

Here's the recipe!

Ridiculously Easy Brownies

Makes 24 brownies

Adapted from the Baker's One Bowl Brownies recipe on Kraft.com

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (I like the Ghiradelli 100% Cacao unsweetened chocolate bars)
• 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups sugar (that's 1 cup plus 3/4 cup more, just to clarify)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted with a little kosher salt adds an interesting, and even better, twist)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 13x9 pan with piece of foil long enough to extend over the ends of the pan, and grease the foil and the rest of the pan.
   
   
    
3. In a large microwaveable bowl, add the butter and the chocolate (break the chocolate into pieces).
   
   
    
4. Microwave for about a minute, removing and stirring to judge how much the chocolate has melted, then nuke in 15 second increments after that. It usually takes me about a minute and a half to completely melt the chocolate.
   
   
    
5. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
6. Stir in the flour, and if using, the pecans. Mix well.
   
   
    
7. Spread the batter into the pan.
   
   
    
8. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out crumby.
9. Let cool, then remove the brownies from the pan with the foil "handles."
10. Cut into squares, and enjoy!
    
    
     
11. Store in an air-tight container at room temp.