Ingredients :
 2   cups flour
 1   cup water
 1   cup brown sugar
 1   cup white sugar
 1   tsp.salt
 1   tsp.vanilla
 3/4  cup cocoa powder
 1/2  cup canola oil
 1/2  tsp. baking powder
 1/2  cup nuts (optional)
 1/2  cup chocolate chips (she stirs in carob chips at the end)
 
 Method :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9X9 or 11X7 pan.
 
Cook water and 1/2 cup of the flour over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the consistancy of a gluey paste.  Use a wire whisk, makes it easier..
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Mix sugars, salt, vanilla, cocoa powder and canola oil..  Then add the flour-water mixture and mix well.
Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, plus the baking powder, nuts and chocolate chips.  Stir to mix well.
Spread mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 - 35 mins. or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack.  Cut into squares.