Makes one 9x9 pan.

¾ lb (3 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan

3 ½ Cups Sugar

8 Ounces high quality unsweetened chocolate (99% cacao)

6 Large Eggs

2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

2 Cups All purpose flour

1 Cup chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large, 12 x 17-inch jelly-roll pan and dust with about 4 tablespoons of the sugar.

Place the chocolate and remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until both are melted. Remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and remaining sugar just until blended, but not frothy. Stir in the vanilla. When the chocolate mixture is no longer hot, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, stirring. Stir in the flour. Fold in the nuts, if desired.

Spread the batter in the pan and bake 35 minutes, until set. A toothpick inserted in the middle will come out just about clean. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Note: These brownies are a crowd pleaser, but you may want to keep them all for yourself. They also make a great hostess gift wrapped up in a box with waxed paper, a housewarming gift, work party, school fundraiser, just about anything.

*Rizzoli International Publications (2007) Park Avenue Potluck, Recipes from New York’s Savviest Hostesses