Brownies

I have been working on this recipe for a while. It took me a few tries to get the spice right. The first few tries it was either too spicy or the spice came at the wrong time during the bite. I have tried making these brownies with several different spice additives. I think the Chipotle Peppers and Ancho Chilies are the most pleasant combination with these amazing chocolate brownies. The spice is subtle and doesn't over power the brownie. It's pretty neat how the two spices really just enhance the chocolate.

(Spicy) Fudge Brownies (original recipe by King Arthur's Flour)
You will need:
1 cup (8oz) Unsalted Butter
2 1/4 cups Sugar
1 1/4 cups Valrhona cocoa powder (or your favorite brand)
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (good quality)
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups (6 1/4oz.) All-Purpose Flour Optional
1/2 tsp. (or to taste) Chipotle Pepper Powder
1/2 tsp. (or to taste) Ancho Chile Powder
2 cups (12oz.) Chocolate Chips (good quality)
Preheat your oven to 350*F and lightly grease a 9x13" pan
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the sugar and stir to combine.
Return the mixture to low heat (do not stir again, it will cause the sugar to crystallize)
Once the mixture is hot and the sugar has dissolved a bit you can stir it to get it off the bottom of the pot.
When the mixture starts to bubble around the edges transfer it to a mixing bowl.
(This process creates a really nice shiny top crust.)
Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, spices and vanilla.
Taste the mixture to make sure the spice is to your liking.
Add the eggs one-at-a-time beating each one well.
Beat until the mixture is smooth.Add the flour and mix until just combined (over mixing will cause your brownies to be tough)
Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Transfer the batter into the pan and press out smooth with the back of a spoon.
Bake 20-30 minutes until a knife comes out almost clean from the center. The edges should be firm.
Let cool about 5-6 minutes and loosen the sides with a knife (this prevents the center from falling).
Cool completely.
I top mine with a secret special salted caramel sauce.
A little vanilla ice cream probably wouldn't hurt either.
Other variations : chopped jalapenos, Tabasco, Cajun hot sauce, cumin, red pepper flakes.
Warning: These brownies are the fudgiest!