Natalie's Godmother's Not-So-Secret and Very Yummy Brownies

a scant 1¾ c white sugar cream beat well beat until just combined stir in by hand stir in by hand bake 25 minutes at 350°F
1 c butter
4 eggs  
1 t vanilla  
1 c cocoa
a pinch of salt
1 c flour  
1 c walnuts (optional)  
  1. Cream butter and sugar together.
  2. Add eggs and beat until soft and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the vanilla, cocoa, and salt, just until combined.
  4. Stir in the flour by hand, just until combined.
  5. If using, stir in nuts, just until dispersed.
  6. Pour into a greased 9″×13″ baking pan.
  7. Bake about 25 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Variation: Blair's Ginger Brownies

Instead of walnuts, use 1 c of chopped candied ginger.