I’m a bit of a food snob, especially when it comes to homemade brownies!  They have to be dense, rich and full of flavor for me to eat them.  These definitely meet those requirements!  Serve them with fresh berries and ice cream!

Recipe

10 tablespoons butter, room temp

1 1/4 cups organic sugar

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dutch process cocoa

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup pecans or chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease an 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.  You can also line your baking dish with parchment or foil as a sling for easier removal.

Place the butter, cocoa, sugar and salt in a small sauce pan.  Melt and stir on low heat until combined.  Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.  Stir in eggs once it has cooled a bit and then beat well.  Fold in flour, nuts and chocolate chips if using.  Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Make sure the center of the brownies are done.  Cool completely and cut into squares.  Enjoy!