Brownies {Egg-free, Dairy-free}

Do you need an egg-free chocolate treat for Valentine's Day?  Try these brownies!  My Valentine thought they were pretty awesome.

Brownies

½ c sugar

½ c brown sugar

½ c vegetable shortening

1 c flour

½ c unsweetened cocoa powder

½ t baking powder

½ t salt

½ c milk or non-dairy substitute

1 t vanilla

½ c semi-sweet chocolate chips (non-dairy can be used) 
½ c pecans, chopped (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.   Lightly grease the bottom only of an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan and set aside.  Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, blend shortening and both sugars until combined.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Add flour mixture blending until mixture resembles a course meal.  Slowly add milk and vanilla, blending constantly until smooth.  The batter will be thick.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.  Spread batter into lightly greased baking pan.  Bake brownies for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is no longer shiny.  Set pan on a wire rack until the brownies are completely cooled and cut into squares.

Serves 9

Dairy-free notes:  I haven't tried it but I think this recipe could easily be made dairy-free.  If anyone tries it, please let me know how it works out and what substitutes you used for the milk and chocolate chips.