Brownies

Mark just found what turned out to be the best brownies recipe we ever tried. Definitely our go-to recipe from now on.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup canola (or sunflower) oil, divided

1/2 cup boiling water

2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup of walnuts or pecans (here I used unsalted pistachios and salted cashews), chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Butter or lightly spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and place a sheet of parchment paper that covers bottom and sides of the pan. 

In a medium sized bowl, stir together the cocoa and baking soda. Blend 1/3 cup of the canola oil into the cocoa until well mixed and shiny. Add the boiling water and stir until the mixture thickens.
Add the sugar and stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of oil and the eggs, mixing until smooth. Add the flour, vanilla and salt, blending completely. Add nuts and toss. 
Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center returns with just a bit of sticky crumb clinging on it. Do not overcook or your brownies will turn out dry!
Cool in the pan for about 2 hours, then use the parchment to lift from the pan and cut into squares. Store in a covered container.