4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar

¼ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces

¼ cup canola oil (for a healthier substitute, you can swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce)

1 cup brown sugar, dark or light, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

3/8 teaspoon salt

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-by-8-inch oven-safe baking dish. In a microwave-safe dish (a 2-cup glass measuring cup works great for this), add your chocolate and butter. Microwave, stirring often, for 1 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth.

In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, chocolate, vanilla, salt, eggs, baking powder, applesauce, and sugar. Fold in chocolate chips.

Transfer batter to baking dish. Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes with just a few soft crumbs attached, about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely, then cut into 9 large squares or 16 small squares.

Yield: About 16 brownies.