Grandma's Brownies

Okay, okay. So, I'm a sucker for a good boxed brownie mix...adding just egg whites and water and calling the batter my treat for the day. However, when it comes to making a good homemade brownie, you can't get much better than these! These are my Gma VB's--Famous in our family for their chewy chocolatey taste! They give boxed brownies a real run for their money! Enjoy!

1 1/2 cups flour (I like to use half white and half whole wheat)

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp salt

1 cup soft shortening (butter flavor is best...or just use real butter)

3 eggs (again, I like just the whites, myself)

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips (optional...although walnuts are killer in these!!!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream together sugar, vanilla, shortening, and eggs. Add flour, salt, cocoa, and baking powder (and nuts or chips if you so choose) until smooth and delicious. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes! Good hot or cooled, with or without ice cream!