Best Brownies

I forgot to take a picture while they were still in the pan.  Here they are on a plate ready to go to a bake sale

These brownies are really good.  You won't want to make brownies from a box again. 

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook. 
4.  To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.  

Here are some tips when making the frosting.  The frosting is really thick.  When you start beating it with your hand mixer it is really powdery and dry.  If you keep beating it, it will gradually get creamy.  Once creamy it is still really thick.  I've found that the easiest way to spread the frosting onto the brownies is to spoon it onto the top of the hot brownies and just let it sit there for a few minutes.  Once it's all melty and more liquidy you can spread it around really easily.  Let them cool completely before you cut them and serve them.