Chocolate Brownies

Directions

1. 1
   Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350F.
2. 2
   Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil, letting it overhang on two opposing sides.
3. 3
   Coat with cooking spray.
4. 4
   Sift flour, confectioners sugar and cocoa together into a small bowl.
5. 5
   Combine the 3 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate and oil in a heavy medium saucepan; place over the lowest heat, stirring, until just melted and smooth, being very careful the chocolate does not overheat.
6. 6
   Remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, corn syrup mixture, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves.
7. 7
   Vigorously stir in egg until smoothly incorporated.
8. 8
   Gently stir in the dry ingredients.
9. 9
   Fold in the walnuts (if using) and the remaining 2 1/2 ounces chopped chocolate just until well blended.
10. 10
    Turn out the batter into the pan, spreading evenly.
11. 11
    Bake the brownies until almost firm in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist batter clinging to it, 20 to 24 minutes.
12. 12
    Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 1/2 hours.
13. 13
    Using the overhanging foil as handles, carefully lift the brownie slab from the pan.
14. 14
    Peel the foil from the bottom; set the slab right-side up on a cutting board.
15. 15
    Using a large, sharp knife, trim off any dry edges.
16. 16
    Mark and then cut the slab crosswise into fifths and lengthwise into fourths.
17. 17
    Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.