A little bit salty and a lot bit sweet

For a while now I have been looking for a good brownie recipe.  Not being really satisfied by any of them I combined a few recipes to make this one.  It is pretty easy, and doesn't require many ingredients.

Brownies:
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla (I add a little more, but for most people 1 teaspoon is good)
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (however many you want)

Pre-heat oven to 350
In a big bowl, melt 1 cup butter
Add sugar and mix
Add cocoa powder, vanilla and mix
Add eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and mix completely.
Make sure that there are no lumps.  Cocoa powder clumps easily, so using a mixer is best, but a fork will do.
Add chocolate chips and stir.
Grease 9x13 pan and pour batter in evenly (using one pan makes thick brownies like in the picture...if thinner brownies are desired use two pans or don't use the all of the batter)
Bake at 350 for 20-30 mins.  Mine were about 26 mins, but every oven is different.

When they are done here are some ideas for something a little extra

Chocolate frosting topping:
3 tbsp melted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp milk or cream

Whisk together and spread over brownies before cutting...make sure the brownies are FULLY cooled. 

If you are feeling truly adventurous (which Chris is) or just love bacon (which Chris does) you can add bacon bits to the frosting.

If you want something a bit more basic, simply cutting up strawberries or another fruit (into small squares) and sprinkling over the top of the brownies adds nice flavor without being super rich.

Blackberry ice cream is also another good option, and for summer (and all those my age who are too unemployed or don't want to pay for AC this one might be a good option for you) it can cool you off a bit.

Enjoy!!