Chewy Cocoa Brownies

I've made uncountable trips to the grocery store this past month. Today's challenge is to make supper and dessert without going ONCE again to the store! So, at the request of Riley, we are having brownies for dessert. However, I am out of unsweetened chocolate squares, my usual "go to" for brownies. This recipe promises chewy brownies made from cocoa (which I have 3 cans of!). They are in the oven as I write this, but I am confident that they will be wonderful (at least by a 10 yr old's standards). Put this recipe in a safe place for one of these days when you just can't make one more trip to the grocery store!!! Warm with ice cream.... what else could you ask for? UH OH.... I'm out of ice cream, too!





Chewy Cocoa Brownies
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE granulated sugar, butter and water in large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.