Taming Martha

Martha Stewart is one of those people that folks love to hate. I have to admit that at various times I either love her or hate her - just depending. The ugly prison shawl - hate it, the haughty "it is MY show" attitude she takes with her guests - love it.

Oh, I especially love it when she has someone on to show how to make THEIR recipe, then goes on an on about how HER technique is better or what SHE would do differently (the better is implied). Maybe that is the Martha I identify with..... I mean, that is kinda what I do in the privacy of my own kitchen.....

So today, I'm tweaking Martha (the crazy sugar addict)'s brownie recipe.

I'm-better-than-Martha Chocolate Brownies
1 cup unsalted butter (I use Plugra)
8 ounces good quality (special dark or nestle choclatier) chocolate chips
5 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I like the minis for this part)
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Generously butter a 9x13 baking pan. Over low heat, melt the 8oz of chocolate with the butter. Use a rubber spatula and stir until smooth. Remove from heat.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla. On low speed, slowly beat in the chocolate until combined. Slowly add the sifted flour and salt. Beat until incorporated.

Fold in the mini chips and nuts, pour into the cake pan. Bake 30 minutes (until edges are dry, but center is soft), then allow brownies to cool. I like to dust powdered sugar over the top (they look so pretty!), then cut into 3" squares. Store leftovers in a airtight container.