Southern Pecan Brownies

By Kathy Johnson

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups butter (yes, really)
• 5 (1 oz each) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup toasted chopped pecans (toasting is easy, spread pecans evenly on cookie sheet, bake 350 5-10 minutes, don't let get too dark)
• Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil; lightly grease foil.
In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine butter and unsweetened chocolate. Microwave on High in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until butter and chocolate are melted and smooth, about 2 minutes total. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs on high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually beat in flour and salt.
Add melted butter mixture, stirring well. Stir in vanilla, chocolate chips and pecans. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 35-38 minutes or until center is firm. Once cool, lift brownies from pan using foil as handles. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.