Homemade Brownies

1/2 c. (1 stick) softened butter or margarine
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract*
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour, salt, cocoa, and nuts, and mix until ingredients are completely blended.

Pour into greased 9x9 or 8x8 baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies test for doneness.

*You can substitute other flavorings for the vanilla: almond, coconut, etc.

**You can add 1/2 c. chocolate chips instead of nuts for a little extra chocolatey-ness.