Homemade chewy brownies

My little brother is one of my favorite people in this world. He is kind, funny, and has so many admirable traits. For his birthday this year he asked for one thing…some really good brownies. So, big sister had come through for him!

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 Tablespoons, 3/4 cup) butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour

• Hefty pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips- This is optional, but there is nothing better than getting a pocket of melted chocolate in the midst of a bite of fudgy brownie.
  

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 or 9 inch square baking pan with butter. If you want to be able to remove and serve your brownies outside of the pan, create a parchment paper sling or use a pan with a removable bottom.

2. In a medium sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat, then whisk in the brown and white sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and salt.

4. Add the cocoa powder and flour and stir until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes (under-done) or 40-45 minutes (baked through). It can be tough to tell when these are done since they’re so dark in color, but if the center no longer jiggles, take them out. Trust me on this one.

5. Allow to cool or eat directly out of the pan because you have no self control (at least, that’s what I do).