Lavender Fudge Brownies

Makes 1 (9-by-13-inch) pan

• ^_1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• _^1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ^_3/4 cup flour
• ^_1/3 cup cocoa powder
• _^1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1_^1/2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
• ^_1/2 cup chopped roasted cashews
• Powdered sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter and maple syrup, and melt in microwave or in a saucepan on the stove, then stir in chocolate chips until melted. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa, salt and lavender, blending well. Mix in cashews.
3. Spread batter into a greased and floured 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brownies pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before cutting into squares and dust tops with powdered sugar, if desired.