Homemade Brownies

One Sunday evening while Kelly was out of town, my cute kids came to me and said they wanted a special treat.  I often make a treat on Sunday evenings since we're all there in the house together for most of the day.  This particular day, the kids wanted brownies.  I thought, "No problem.  Go get a mix from the basement."  My basement is almost always stocked with just about everything I could possibly need.  However, not this particular Sunday.  Not a brownie mix in sight.

I've tried homemade brownies before and didn't like the way they tasted so I was hesitant and almost told my kids that I was sorry but it wasn't going to be possible.  Then I went searching on Pinterest for a no-fail, homemade brownie.  Turns out, I have great taste in choosing recipes simply from pictures.  This one, over on Pia Recipes, was amazing and, much to my extreme pleasure, extremely easy.  Even easier because my family likes brownies sans icing.  But I'm sure the icing is great, too.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 Tbsp butter, softened
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.

In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter.  Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 tsp. vanilla.

Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder.  Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.  Do not overcook.

Frosting:  Combine 3 Tbsp butter, 3 Tbsp cocoa, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar.  Frost brownies while they are still warm.