Perfect Brownies

This recipe was given to me by a friend as a starting point for another recipe.

Hardware:

• whisk
• silicone spatula
• large bowl
• medium bowl
• double-boiler (metal bowl over a sauce pot)
• 13"x9"x2" cake pan

Software:

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/3 cup shortening
• 4 sq. bakers chocolate
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but recommended)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease or line pan with parchment.
3. Melt shortening and chocolate in double-boiler.
4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
5. Whisk together eggs and sugar in a large bowl.
6. Temper egg mixture with a small amount of melted chocolate mixture, then combine the add the remaining melted chocolate to the egg mixture.
7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir with silicone spatula until just combined. Do not over-mix.
8. Fold in the nuts, if using.
9. Pour mixture in pan.
10. Bake at 350°F for 25 min. Verify doneness with a toothpick.