World's Best Brownies!

Well, they may not be the world's best, but they're pretty good!

Last year the kids and I made up several jars of cookie and brownie mixes to sell at an auction at church. The brownie mix was a huge hit and I still hear people praising it—twice in just the last two weeks in fact! So I figured I'd track down the recipe again and post it here for other chocoholics like me.

Chewy Chocolate Brownies in a Jar

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• powdered sugar (optional)

Using a large-mouth funnel, layer the ingredients (except the powdered sugar) in the order listed in a one quart mason jar. Make sure you press down each layer before you add another layer or you'll run out of room. After you add the cocoa, the second layer, you'll need to wipe out the inside of the jar with a cloth or paper towel. Once you have all the ingredients layered, seal the jar and cover it with ribbon, fabric, or other decoration.

Then don't forget to attach this recipe to the jar before you give it away!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) melted butter/margarine
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. water
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F and grease the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking pan.
2. Pour the entire mix into a large bowl and stir the ingredients together.
3. Add the melted butter/margarine, eggs, water, and vanilla to the mix and stir well.
4. Pour the mix into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out slightly sticky.
6. Remove from oven, allow the brownies to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.

Makes about 16 delectably scrumptious brownies.