Better Than Box Brownies

I love brownies from a boxed mix! But I love this recipe for brownies from scratch even more! This recipe is my mom’s standby and she’s been making them since I was in Jr High. These brownies are a cross between a science experiment and a magic trick. Somehow you add two powders, one oil and some boiling water and instead of getting thinner it gets thicker as you stir! I have no idea how that works but I still think it’s pretty cool to watch even now that I’m over 40…

What I like best about them is they are so easy to make and turn out perfect every time. (If I don't burn them) They are chewy and rich! I've made them with melted butter, coconut oil, vegetable oil. All are wonderful! Throw in a handful of chocolate chips, swirl in dollops of peanut butter before baking and they are even better!

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1/2 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup oil

1/2 cup boiling water

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 1/3 cup flour

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

Stir together cocoa and soda. Add 1/3 cup oil. Stir in boiling water until thick. Add remaining 1/3 cup oil, eggs, and sugar. Then add flour, vanilla and salt. Mix well. Pour into lightly greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

For an extra special treat, top it with ice cream & chocolate syrup!