Fudgy Brownie Bar

• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 c sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 c all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Shortbread Base, hot*

Shortbread Base:

• 3/4 c unsalted butter
• 2 c all-purpose flour
• 1/2 c light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Cut butter into 1/2-inch pieces.

In a food processor process all ingredients until mixture begins to form small lumps.

Sprinkle mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan and with a metal spatula press evenly onto bottom.

Bake shortbread in middle of oven until golden, about 20 mins.

While shortbread is baking, prepare topping

Topping:

Coarsely chop chocolate and in a small saucepan melt with butter over moderately low heat, stirring until smooth.

Remove pan from heat and stir in sugar.

Add eggs, beating with a fork until incorporated, and stir in flour and salt.

Pour chocolate mixture over hot shortbread and spread evenly.

Bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out with crumbs adhering, about 35 mins.

Cool completely in pan and cut into 24 bars.

Makes 24 bars