Let your creativity come out when preparing these rich brownies -- add chocolate chips to walnuts, or maybe some coconut.

Moosewood Fudge Brownies

5 (1-ounce each) squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
5 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
1 cup (6-ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, optional
1 small mashed banana, optional
2 tablespoons instant coffee, optional
1 teaspoon grated orange rind, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
2. Melt the chocolate in a sauce pan on low heat. Let it cool about 10 minutes. Cream the butter and sugar in a medium-sized bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Stir constantly as you drizzle in the melted chocolate. After all the chocolate is in, beat well for a minute or two.
3. Stir in flour and any optional ingredients. Mix just enough to blend thoroughly. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cut into squares while still hot, then allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 24 bars.