A Perfectly Proportioned Piece of Paradise

Did you know actual scientific studies have been conducted on the topic of chocolate and depression? Now, no one had to convince me of a link (I mean, the only thing that made me feel good every day [pre-meds] was - you guessed it - CHOCOLATE), but there's always the guilt factor canceling out a bit of the bliss. Unless, of course, you're like me, and you search for a recipe that can be cut down to guiltless proportions. That's right, folks. I found a triple chocolate brownie recipe that was easily quartered. It takes 20 minutes to make and bake and fits in a loaf pan. (Cue the Hallelujah Chorus.) Here it is:

1/4 c. unsalted butter

1/2 c. sugar, rounded (i.e. heaping)

1/3 c. cocoa powder

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. baking powder

1 t. vanilla

1 egg

1/3 c. flour, rounded

1/2 c. chocolate chips

(I use mostly semi-sweet with some milk chocolate thrown in for good measure).

Optional: 1/4 c. chopped nuts

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan.

1) In a microwave-safe bowl, or in a saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter.

2) Add the sugar, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.

3) Stir in the cocoa, salt, baking powder, and vanilla.

4) Whisk in the egg, stirring until smooth.

5) Add the flour, chips, and optional nuts, again stirring until smooth.

6) Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.

7) Bake the brownies for 15 - 20 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The brownies should feel set on the edges, and barely set in the center. (I bake mine for 15 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave them in there for another 5). Excellent with milk and/or cream cheese frosting. (Cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar.) Enjoy!!! Original recipe: King Arthur Flour Brownie Bites