Fudge Brownies

My favorite brownies are the ones that are kinda soft and fudgy in the middle and have a thin, crackly crust on top and nothing else -- no frosting, no marshmallows, no mint layer, nothing.  Well, maybe just a sprinkling of powdered sugar for parties :).  Plain and simple chocolaty yumminess.  This recipe is just like that.  I got it years ago from a lady I worked with.  I already had several brownie recipes, but wasn't that enthused about any of them.  Norma brought this to work during the holidays to share with everyone, and as soon as I tasted it, I knew I had found chocolate nirvana.  The nuts in it are optional.  I love them, but my husband is allergic, and my kids and grandkids don't like them, so I usually skip it.  The brownies are wonderful anyway.  I hope you'll like them too.

Fudge Brownies

3 Cups sugar
1 Cup unsweetened cocoa
1 Cup melted butter or margarine
6 eggs
2-1/4 Cups rice powder gluten free flour mix
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 Tbsp vanilla
1-1/2 Cups chopped nuts (opt.)

Melt the butter; add cocoa and sugar and mix well.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well.  Whisk dry ingredients together and add to chocolate mixture.  Mix well.  Stir in vanilla and nuts.  Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes. 

Want to make them even more decadent?  Add 1/2 Cup chocolate chips to the batter before baking.  Mmmmmmmmm.