Moosewood Fudge Brownies


1/2 lb butter softened (not melted)
5 oz. bitter chocolate (melted and cooled)
1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
5 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup flour
Optional (one of the following):
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon grated fresh orange or lemon rind
1 over-ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cream the butter with the brown sugar and eggs. Add the vanilla extract. Beat in the melted cooled chocolate and flour. Add optional ingredients if any. Spread into a buttered 9" X 13" baking pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and serve with whipped cream.