Brownies!  One of the first things you are offered when you enter the house.  A welcome package in every dorm room. Everyone’s favorite.

My favorite brownie story is about the time that Grandma was in a hurry and used a mix to make the brownies for her bridge group.  When Georgie Schwartz said “Shirley, you make the best brownies.  Can I have your recipe?” Grandma didn’t blink an eye, went into the kitchen, and gave her this recipe:

4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup Crisco
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350.

Melt the unsweetened chocolate squares and Crisco together.  Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Beat eggs until fluffy.
Add sugar gradually.
Add flour alternating with chocolate mixture.
Add vanilla and chocolate chips.
Spread in a 9×13 greased pan.

Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted at edge comes out  clean. Do not overbake! Note that by inserting the toothpick at the edge instead of in the center, the brownies will be slightly under done and more fudgy.  Cool in pan.

Makes 24 brownies.