There is nothing more American than the brownie!  A great brownie is the perfect balance of cake and fudge and has the flavor to stand up to either a strong black coffee or an ice cold glass of milk.  This is my favorite brownie, based off one by Cook’s Illustrated.  It may take close to 3 hours from mixing to finally eating, but the wait is well worth it for what I consider to be the perfect brownie.

All American Brownies

1 cup toasted pecans
1 1/4 cup cake flour (5 oz by weight)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
6 oz unsweetened chocolate
12 oz unsalted butter
2 1/4 cup sugar
4 lg eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325.  Toast pecans in oven 5-8 minutes on sheet pan.  Meanwhile, fit a 13×9 pan with an aluminum foil “sling” by folding foil to fit both lengthwise and width-wise with at least a 1″ overlap.  This will make removal of the brownies possible.  Spray “slinged” pan with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together and set aside.
3. Melt chocolate and butter in a large bowl in the microwave.  Heat 45 seconds on high and stir.  Continue to heat 30 seconds at a time until almost all the chocolate is melted.  Stir mixture until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Whisk sugar into chocolate mixture.  Add eggs one at a time until each is fully incorporated.  Whisk vanilla in with last egg.  Switch to a rubber spatula and fold flour mixture into wet ingredients a third at a time until batter is smooth.
5. Pour batter into pan and smooth to corners.  Sprinkle toasted nuts on top and slightly press into batter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.  If it comes out with batter the brownies will be dense and gummy.  If it comes out clean, the brownies will be dry and cakey.
7. Cool brownies for 2 HOURS before removing from pan!  This is a must!!  The chocolate in the brownies must have a chance to fully cool or you won’t be able to cut them without making a huge mess.
8. Lift brownies by the sling, cut into large, scrumptious squares, and enjoy!!