Best Brownies Ever

I always hesitate when trying a recipe that claims to be the best ever, as it usually falls short in my book. But I made these, putting my Aunt Jane's topping on them before baking. They are really good . . . Okay, they are THE BEST BROWNIES EVER . . . my opinion . . . and I'm sticking with it.


1  cup  butter
2  cups  sugar
2  tsp  pure vanilla extract
4  large  eggs, lightly beaten
3/4  cup  unsweetened cocoa
1  cup flour (minus 1 Tbs)
1/2  tsp  baking powder
1/4  tsp  salt
1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips


Aunt Jane's Brownie Topping:
1  cup  chopped pecans
5  Tbs  butter
3/4  cup  brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9 X 13-inch pan, and set aside. 
Cream together the butter and sugar. Add vanilla and mix until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.

Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into the pan; spread evenly. Top with Aunt Jane’s topping before baking.

Bake on the middle rack of oven, for about 35 to 40 minutes. As always with brownies, 
DO NOT OVER BAKE.

Topping:
Melt butter and brown sugar. Add nuts. Sprinkle over brownies, before baking.