Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Step 2

Line an 8" square metal baking pan with foil.

Step 3

In the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together.

Step 4

Stir the chocolate often and remove it from the heat when a few lumps remain.

Step 5

Stir in the sugar, vanilla and salt. Then stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the flour.

Step 6

Stir until smooth (about one minute) and the mixture pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 7

Stir in the nuts or chocolate chips (optional) and pour the batter into the foil-lined baking pan.

Step 8

Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Prepare a water bath by pouring ice water into a large roasting pan to a depth of 1 inch.

Step 10

Remove the pan from the oven and place it in the water bath, being careful not to allow any water to seep into the brownies.

Step 11

Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Step 12

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