A couple subtle ingredients and two unexpected (yet easy) steps allow the chocolate flavor to really sing.

Grant Webster

Many sweets-lovers have their own definition ofand strong feelings aboutthe best chocolate chip cookie.

The same holds true for brownies.

Ina Garten’s brownies

Credit:Grant Webster

I think this is the most popular thing Ive ever made at Barefoot Contessa.

But Ina took a chance, and they were gone in 5 minutes.

So I baked more … and more, she explains in her memoir.

It was a good lesson.

You dont know the coffee and vanilla are in there, but they make the chocolate taste delicious.

The chocolate flavorreallycame through, too.

(These also-awesomeButtermilk Brownieswork well for a weeknight treat or bake sale.)