Cocoa brownies

I love this moist and nutty brownie. It's more like... two birds and a stone situation. A quick something for the boys and some yummy chocolate indulgence for me and Kate.

140g salted butter
250g sugar
80g unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 eggs
70g flour
80g hazelnut - chopped
2 tbs brandy - optional

Preheat the oven to 160°C.   Prepare a 20cm (8in) square baking pan with foil.
In a  heatproof bowl, add the butter and set on top of a large sauce pan with barely simmering water.
Melt the butter, then add sugar, and stir until well combined.
Next add the cocoa powder and stir until mixture is smooth. 
Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside  until the mixture is only warm, not hot.


Add in the vanilla with a wooden spoon.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir till well combined. Beat vigorously for 2 min.  Stir in the nuts, and of course, the brandy, if using. Spread evenly in the lined pan.


Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.
Cut into  squares. The boys suggest we pour some melted milk chocolate over it. Hmmm...a good idea, since the cake appears a little dry. 
recipe adapted from here

Enjoy...Jue