Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with unsalted butter. In a sauce pan, place melted butter and unsweetened chocolate on low heat. Stir often until all of the chocolate has been melted. Add sugar and salt and let cool for 10 minutes.

Once cooled, add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well. Blend in flour and mix, being careful not to over-mix. Finally, mix semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired.

Pour batter into greased baking dish and spread evenly. Tap the pan on countertop three or four times to rid batter of any air bubbles. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out almost clean. Be careful not to over-bake.

Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve with ice cream and garnish with chocolate sauce and fresh mint (optional).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

This recipe may appear slightly modified from what you've seen on television.