Brownies fit for a King

From the schooner Mary Day

¾ cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

2 Tablespoons water

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

¾ cup flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325°
• In a saucepan, while stirring frequently, bring sugar, butter and water to a boil.
• Take off the heat and stir in one cup of the chocolate chips and vanilla. The chips should melt. Let cool while you mix the dry ingredients.
• In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking soda.
• Beat the two eggs in the saucepan with the cooled chocolate mixture. Then add the dry ingredients. Stir well.
• Add the other cup of chocolate chips. These should not melt.
• Mix well and pour into a greased 9 inch square baking pan.
• Bake at 325° for approx. 25-30 minutes.
• As the brownies are cooling, make the chocolate ganache (recipe follows). Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies.
• Option: try topping the ganache with chopped nuts or crushed pepperment candies! Enjoy!

Chocolate Ganache:

Ingredients

• 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)

Directions

1. Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the rum if desired.
2. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.