Virginia Iovine-Turner Cucina Amore www.cucinaamore.co.nz

Ciao everyone. I have had some emails from readers requesting my chocolate brownie recipe. It is a great hit and I just love how easy it is to make and it is sure to impress your guests.

The other day I couldn't find the vanilla essences so I added mint essences and it was divine. Sometimes I add frozen berries on top before I place it in the oven. The great thing about it is that you can make it up and freeze it for school lunches or for those unexpected visitors. Enjoy.

Chocolate Brownie

Ingredients

250g butter

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup cocoa

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup plain flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup chocolate drops

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees. Line a sponge roll tin with baking paper or spray with oil.

In a large pot, melt butter, add coco and stir for 30 seconds. Remove from stove, stir in sugar followed by the rest of the ingredients apart from the chocolate. Poor into sponge roll tin and sprinkle chocolate drops over the top before you place in the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool and sprinkle a little icing sugar over the top.