The
Secret Source was rumored to be behind the Chicken Coup in Kung Poa. Sources in the capital, Moo Goo Gai Pan, claim General Tso died while trying to catch a Tory who had infiltrated the Palace. Others suspect fowl play.
Just in time for the weekend, our president has released the secrets of his Iraq plan (I trust you to keep the secret.) He's busy in the war room, so as his top shelf (chief of staff), I've been entrusted to pass it along to you. (Oh, all right, I stole it while he wasn't looking. Sheeeesh)
To Die for Brownies
- 8 ounces 70% bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 scant cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 to 1 cup walnut halves or pieces
Adjust a rack 1/3 up from bottom of the oven and preheat to 325 F. Butter or line with parchment paper an 8-inch square cake pan and set aside. Heat the chocolate and butter in the top of a 2 1/2 to 3-quart double boiler or water bath. Stir occasionally until melted. If necessary, whisk to smooth. Remove from heat, stir in the salt, vanilla, and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition until incorporated.Add the flour and stir briskly for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and shiny and comes away from the side of the pot. Stir in the nuts. Turn the mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted gently into the center comes out moist, but free of batter.
Remove from the oven. Cool on a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Makes sixteen 2-inch brownies.