Care Package Brownies

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch or 9-by-9-inch baking dish with oil. Line the dish with a piece of parchment paper, allowing the overhang to drape over two sides (you can later use these flaps to lift the brownies out of the pan). Lightly oil the parchment as well.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 20 seconds or so after each addition, scraping the bowl occasionally.

Still beating, add the flour mixture and beat it in, being sure to pause and scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl at least once, until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.

Stir in the chocolate and cocoa nibs, if using. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the edges begin to pull from the sides of the pan and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. This should take 25 to 30 minutes if using an 8-inch pan, 20 to 25 minutes if using a 9-inch pan. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares and ship or serve.

Dessert