1) Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and then grease and line a square baking tin with parchment paper.

2) Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl along with the butter. Melt them together gently, either over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

3) In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.

4) Gradually pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring constantly until well combined.

5) Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the mixture, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Fold everything together, but be careful not to over-mix.

6) If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

7) Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set but the middle is still slightly soft.

8) Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares.
Top with our milk or white chocolate curls.

9) Try not to eat them all at once!