The One with Chewy Cocoa Brownies

And now for the recipe. (If you are at a loss for what recipe I'm referring to, you must first read the previous post.)  I believe there are two forms of brownies--cakey or chewy.  Personally, I will eat anything with chocolate (that is, I will eat any brownie), though I am a bit partial to the chewy variety.  That, my friends, is what this recipe is all about.  And boy, is it delicious.  Growing up, the idea of baking brownies from scratch honestly never even occured to me.  I was a "mix" girl.  But NO more!  (Or at least not at this point in my life, when I have no children, no sports practices, and no moments of intense desire to pull out my hair.)

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted 2 tablespoons water 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup baking cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) [I do not include nuts] Directions: PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.  COMBINE granulated sugar, butter and water in large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.  BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.