Did you know chocolate is officially America’s favorite flavor? As a serious chocolate lover, that comes as no surprise to me. Today is National Chocolate Day, and I’ll be in my kitchen making all sorts of chocolate delights to celebrate. But first, I’m sharing one of my favorite chocolate recipes so you guys can join in on the chocolate fun as well!

Truth be told - I’m a HUGE sucker for boxed brownies, especially the Ghirardelli ones. But once I discovered this recipe, I realized how easy a really good batch of brownies can be. If you’ve got a decently stocked pantry or do any baking at all, then you’re likely to have everything you need to make these ooey gooey out of hand brownies right now. Trust me, you won’t regret it. So much better than box brownies, and almost as easy to whip up!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) butter

• 2 cups sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 cup flour

• Optional: nuts, candies, caramel swirl, chocolate chips

Directions:

• Microwave cocoa powder and butter in large microwave safe bowl for 2 minutes or until butter is melted

• Stir until combined

• Stir in sugar. add eggs & vanilla, mix well

• Add flour and stir until well blended (here’s where you add the optional ingredients)

• Spread into greased 9×13 baking pan

• Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with fudgy crumbs - be careful not to overbake them!

• Cool in pan (or not)

• Enjoy - personally, I like my brownies a la mode!