There's nothing better than a delicious batch of chewy brownies. If you're tired of using the same old pre-made brownie mix, try this simple recipe for how to make brownies from scratch.

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't love the taste of freshly-baked homemade brownies. With their chewy chocolate insides and flaky top layer, brownies are about as close to dessert perfection as mankind has ever come. While you can always buy a pre-made brownie mix at your local supermarket, making brownies from scratch is incredibly easy and satisfying - not to mention less expensive. If you're interested in whipping up a batch of these taste bud tantalizing treats, just follow the simple steps below.

The debate over whether brownies should have a soft, fudge like texture or a moist, cake like one is something that really comes down to personal taste. While some people love the rich flavor and gooey texture of a fudge brownie, others prefer the lighter, fluffier version that resembles cake.

In general, there are 2 different factors that effect the fudgey/cakey-ness of your brownies:

The recipe is important. Recipes that use more wet ingredients tend to produce cake brownies while ones that use more dry ingredients tend to make fudge brownies.

The amount of time that you bake the brownies can affect their fudgey/cakey-ness. http://www.metropolitanbrownie.com/Index.html

In general, the longer you bake your brownies, the more cake like they will be. For fudge brownies, cut down the baking timehttp://www.metropolitanbrownie.com/Index.html

Certain equipment is needed to help in the baking of brownies. These are:

• 9 x 13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• spatula
• Oven

Ingredients needed in the making of the brownies are:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Nuts (optional)

The oven will need to be pre-heated to 350 degrees F. Then put the butter in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until it is fully melted and then stir in the cocoa until it is thoroughly mixed with the butter. Let this mixture cool off for a couple of minutes and then pour it into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, flour eggs and vanilla extract to this mixture. Stir all of the ingredients thoroughly with the spatula until the mixture has a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the nuts, if desired.

Use a small bit of butter to grease the baking pan and then sprinkle some flour on it to keep the brownies from sticking to the pan. Pour the brownie mixture into the baking pan and use your spatula to spread it out evenly in the pan. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes. Cut the brownies into squares and serve.

• If you're not sure whether your brownies are done or not, take a toothpick and stick it into one of the brownies. If it is clean when you pull it out, your brownies are done. If the toothpick has brownie batter on it, they need a little more time.

• For some extra chocolaty flavor, add a cup of chocolate chips to your brownie mix before putting it in the pan.

• You can always use a microwave oven to melt your butter and cocoa. But be sure to use a microwave safe bowl if you do.

• If you have any leftover brownies (or want to make them beforehand), go ahead and place them in an airtight container and leave them out at room temperature. They'll be best within the first couple of days after making them.

• Make sure to let your brownies cool off for a while before cutting and serving them. Otherwise they will stick to the pan and be hard to remove.

• While uncooked brownie batter may taste like heaven, the presence of raw eggs can increase your risk of getting Salmonella.

• As with all great deserts, there are many different variations on the basic brownie recipe. From frosting and chocolate chips, to cream cheese and caramel, decades of brownie making have produced a number of wonderful variations. After you've mastered the basic brownie recipe, try giving these unique recipes a try:

• • Food Network: Fudge Brownieshttp://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_7749,00.html?rsrc=like
  • About.com: Chocolate Cream Cheese Swirl Brownieshttp://southernfood.about.com/od/brownies/r/bl30221s.htm
  • Slashfood: Mint Chocolate Brownieshttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/01/31/super-bowl-week-mint-chocolate-brownies/
  • New York Times: Supernatural Brownieshttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/dining/111brex.html?ex=1333944000&en=f42f6ec82e61834b&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
  • Google Video: Cappuccino Brownieshttp://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2147481709778305891
  • All Recipes: Mocha Mudslide Brownieshttp://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mocha-Mudslide-Brownies/Detail.aspx