FUDGY AS FUCK BROWNIES

These rich, chewy brownies are the perfect finish to your sporty spread. Feel free to really push the sports theme by serving them with “balls” of ice cream. Get it? Balls?

SERVES 6 TO 8

INGREDIENTS

1½ sticks unsalted butter (¾ cup)

8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan.

• Fill a small saucepan with tap water to a depth of about 2 inches. Cover the saucepan with a heatproof bowl to create a double boiler. Turn the heat up to high and melt the butter and chocolate chips in the bowl, whisking frequently. Carefully remove the bowl from the pot and turn off the heat.

• Transfer the melted chocolate and butter to a mixing bowl and whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt. Add ½ cup water and whisk until the mixture is very smooth.

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until top is shiny and few crumbs cling to an inserted toothpick.

• Cool until the brownies are warm or room temperature. Cut into squares and serve.