Here’s a batch of from-scratch goodies. I will never buy a box mix again. I always have the necessary ingredients on hand. I just haven’t ever tried to make homemade before. Vastly better! The recipe makes a fudgy brownie. For a more cakelike texture you can use 1/2 tsp. of baking powder.

1 & 2/3 cup white sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 Tbsp. water
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of baking cocoa or 4 squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Stir together the sugar, butter and water in a large bow. Stir in eggs and vanilla. (If using chocolate squares, melt over low heat and stir into the mixture.) In a separate bowl, combine flour,cocoa, and salt. Stir into the sugar mixture and then add the chocolate chips or nuts. Spread into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out a little sticky. Cool in pan before cutting.