Once in a while, I have to have a fast and easy chocolate fix. Now, for some, that could mean a quick trip to the store to buy a chocolate bar to curb that craving. But, no. I'm talking a chocolate dessert that I can nibble on for a few days.

This double chocolate brownie recipe always does the trick. Plus, it's a great recipe to get the kids involved in baking because of its simplicity. And don't forget to give them the paddle and spatula to lick off all that chocolate batter.

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In this recipe, it's all about the quality of the ingredients, especially the chocolate.

Be sure to use a Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa such as Valhrona and, when it comes to chocolate chips, I prefer E. Guittard's semisweet as they have a rich, chocolate flavor and the least amount of added lecithin, making them less-processed than other brands.

These brownies are great on their own or, warm them slightly and serve them with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a retro, decadent dessert.

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Double-Chocolate Brownies

Chef Lesli Sommerdorf for Harmons

• Makes about 15 brownies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and sugar. Begin to mix on low for 30 seconds and then on medium until lighter in color and creamy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, turning off the machine and scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, until incorporated. Add the vanilla and mix on low until combined.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the salt, cocoa and flour.
6. Add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, on low speed, until just blended. Add the chocolate chips and stir until just blended.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until set and just the middle is slightly jiggly, about 30 minutes.

Less than one hour later you have not only curbed your chocolate craving but have created a dessert that the whole family will love.

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To learn how to make more delicious recipes that will satisfy a whole array of cravings, be sure to check out Harmons Cooking School.

Check out our other Ask a Chef and Dietitian articles for great tips and recipes.

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