Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325°F, or whatever is on the box, and grease or line your baking dish. I use an 8" x 8" square brownie pan.

Step 2

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, water, egg, vanilla, and espresso powder. Don't worry if the espresso powder forms blobs. Just keep whisking a little more and it will all dissolve.

Step 3

Add the dry brownie mix to the liquid, along with a pinch of salt. Add the nuts and chocolate chips, if using. Stir just until fully combined. Small lumps in the batter are ok.

Step 4

Bake according to the package directions. Let cool before cutting and serving, either plain or garnished with berries, whipped cream, ice cream, or powdered sugar.PRO TIP: Brownies are very sticky when cut. To get nice, clean edges, slice through the brownies, then pull the knife toward you to remove it, instead of lifting it out of the brownies. Then wipe the blade down with a warm, wet paper towel between cuts.