Chocolate Fudge Brownies

1-2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tbsp water
4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, broken into pieces
2 large eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/3 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13x9 inch baking pan.

Microwave sugar, butter and water in large microwave safe bowl on high power for 4-5 minutes or until mixture bubbles, stirring once. Remove and add baking chocolate; stir until melted.

Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.