Mascarpone Brownies: The Large Batch

This is more of an updated one, rather than a new recipe (that's coming later).

Last week, I promised the girls at physical therapy that I'd bring in some brownies, since who doesn't love homemade brownies? So I figure I'd do a larger batch, with half going with me on Tuesday, and the other half staying here.

Well, yesterday afternoon, my dad was brought to the emergency room. Amazingly, it wasn't a holiday. ;) He was having back and stomach pains, and as the day went on, they got worse, so he was concerned about his appendix. Well, five hours, three iv's, and a ct scan later, we've got the official diagnosis: appendicitis. Because, obviously, timing is everything. He's supposed to start another round of chemo this Wednesday.

So now that half of the brownies has more duties. Comfort to my mom, who tends to be a nervous wreck, and something for my dad to look forward to when he gets home. :)

(The surgery happened a few hours ago, and all went well. We'll be visiting tonight, and hopefully he'll be home soon. They'll probably keep him an extra day or so, only because of the other medical issues.) Either way, positive thoughts and vibes would certainly be welcome. :)

Oh, as a side note, when unwrapping the four sticks of butter, I said to Dave, "This must be what Paula Deen feels like!" And he replied, "So long as you don't start drinking it." :D

Ingredients:
2 cups butter, melted
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
6 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
½ tsp. salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325F. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.

Pour melted butter over the chocolate. Wait 30 seconds before stirring until chocolate is smooth.

Stir together sugar and cocoa in mixing bowl, then pour in melted chocolate, beating until smooth. Add the mascarpone, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake at 325F for 45-50 minutes, or when a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack before cutting into bars.