My politics are actually a little left-wing, and I'm a realist when it comes to day-to-day life and the people to whom I minister and counsel. In matters of discipline I am pro-choice, support same-sex civil unions, domestic partner benefits, commonlaw marriages, optional clerical celibacy, and the ability to work with and talk to a diverse group of people: definitely a product of the Gen-X American experience am I. But on matters of doctrine I still consider myself to be solidly Traditional Roman Catholic, and will defend the doctrinal teachings of the Church as they were passed down from Jesus Christ and the Apostles, and written down by the Fathers and understood by the Twenty Ecumenical Councils from Nicaea to Vatican I without deviation or reservation, if for no other reason than because personal experience has shown them to be the truth.

Outrageous Brownies
Copyright (c) 1999 by Ina Garten
Makes 20 Large Brownies

Inspiration for this recipe came from the Chocolate Glob in the SoHo Charcuterie Cookbook published by William Morrow in 1982. In its heyday, the SoHo Charcuterie was the cutting edge of New York restaurants. The giant confection was a blob of chocolate dough filled with chocolate chips and nuts. I though I could make a brownie with almost the same formula. Theyíve been flying out the door for fifteen years!

1 pound unsalted butter
1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces bitter chocolate
6 extra-large eggs
3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1-inch baking sheet.

Melt together the butter, 1 pound of the chocolate chips, and the bitter chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven self to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into 20 large squares.

Notes: Flouring the chips and walnuts keeps them for sinking to the bottom. It is very important to allow the batter to cool well before adding the chocolate chips, or the chips will melt and ruin the brownies. This recipe can be baked up to a week in advance, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated.