Sometimes you just have to have chocolate.
This is one of those times. When life gives me a bad cold, bad weather, and a bad day.
This is my answer.
And yes, these are simply the best brownies you will ever have. EVER!
The Best Homemade Brownies
adapted from Cooking Inspired
Brownies:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup oil
1/4 cup water
2 cups good quality chocolate chips (no nestle please)
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Frosting:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp vanilla
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup butter
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Combine the sugar, oil and water in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Cook the mixture until it starts to boil. Remove from the heat. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix the dry ingredients, about a half cup at a time, into the chocolate mixture, mixing just until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the pan to cool completely.
Now make the frosting. In the top of a double broiler set over hot water. Combine the sugar and water. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Add the chocolate, cocoa and vanilla. Cook, mixing well, until the chocolate has melted. Add the yolks and cook, stirring constantly, until they are incorporated. Add the butter, stirring until it has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the frosting into a container and let it sit, uncovered until it has completely cooled. Refrigerate or freeze until it is spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
