The Best. Brownies. Ever.

Today is party day. At 2pm we have the going away party for our apartment complex manager. After 14 years she decided she has had enough. Who can blame her.

We will be surrounded by 70+ year old ladies, and I always get nervous baking for old ladies, because they, you know, invented baking. That is why I always turn to Diana's (of Lisa's Famous Potato Soup fame) brownies. The Best. Brownies. Ever.

Best Brownies Ever
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt 1/2 cup butter in microwave or on stove. Add it to the sugar, eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir to blend.

Add the cocoa, the flour, salt and baking powder and mix well. Spread batter into an 8x8 baking pan. (No need to grease pan.)

Bake for 25-33 minutes. Do not over bake; they're to be soft & chewy.

If you want to, you can frost them.
When baked but still warm to the touch, frost with 3 Tbsp. softened butter, 3 Tbsp. cocoa, 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1 cup powdered sugar.

Sometimes, I will drizzle caramel sauce on top. Toss on a bunch of chocolate chips and crushed pecans. (Because, you know, I am all about health here.)

I currently have a double batch in the oven. After the party, I will make another double batch for our Archery party. Everyone is bringing goodies. Not a bad party, in my opinion.