HAZELNUT SQUARES

These crunchy, nutty squares are made in a single bowl. What could be simpler ?

Makes 9.

50g/2oz plain chocolate 2 eggs, beaten
65g/2 1/2oz/5 tbsp butter or 2,5ml/1/2 tsp vanilla essence
margarine 115 g/4oz/ 1 cup skinned hazelnuts,
225g/8oz/generous 1 cup caster sugar roughly chopped
50g/2oz/ 1/2cup plain flour
2.5ml/ 1/2 tsp baking powder.

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degreeC/350 degree F/Gas 4. Grease a20 cm/8in square baking tin.

2. In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter or margarine. Remove the bowl from the heat.

3. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, vanilla and half of the hazelnuts to the melted mixture and stir well with a wooden spoon.

4. Pour the mixture into th prepared tin. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then sprinkle the reserved hazelnuts over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking until firm to the touch, about 25 minutes.

5. Cool in the tin, set on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then unmould on to the rack and cool completely. Cut into squares before serving.