These basic chocolate brownies have an infinite number of variations. Choose one of the suggestions or experiment on your own!

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
4 ounces NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bars, broken into pieces
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. Microwave sugar, butter and water in a large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture bubbles, stirring once. Remove from heat. Add baking bars; stir until melted.
3. Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 10 servings.

For Saucepan Method: Heat sugar, butter and water in a medium saucepan just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add baking bars; stir until melted. Proceed as above.

Cream Cheese Brownie Variation: Prepare brownie batter; do not pour into pan. Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Beat in 1 large egg. Pour brownie batter into pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over top; swirl with spoon. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Peanut Butter Brownie Variation: Prepare brownie batter without nuts; do not pour into pan. Combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100 %) power for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Pour brownie batter into pan. Spoon peanut butter mixture over top; swirl with spoon. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Rocky Road Brownie Variation: Prepare brownie batter without nuts; bake as directed. While still hot, sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows, 1/3 cup chopped nuts and 3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed and morsels are shiny.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.