Marzipan Brownies

Position rack in lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Place butter and chocolate in top of double boiler set over simmering water. If you don't have a double boiler, place chocolate and butter in a heat-safe bowl that fits snugly over a small pot of simmering water.

Stir constantly until half the butter and chocolate is melted. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from pot, then continue stirring, away from heat, until butter and chocolate are completely melted. Allow to cool for 5 minutes (Or melt butter in the microwave).

Process marzipan and sugar in a food processor until thick and uniform. Add eggs, and process until mixture is uniform, about 1 minute.

With machine running, pour cooled chocolate mixture through feed tube. Scrape down sides of bowl and central blade mechanism as necessary. Process for 2 minutes, then remove cover to add dry ingredients and almond extract, if desired. Cover and process until batter is smooth, about 2 minutes.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Since it is very thick, use a spatula or wooden spoon to smooth it into corners.

Bake for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Set pan on a wire rack to cool at least 30 minutes.

Cut brownies into squares while still in pan. Carefully remove them with an offset spatula. Serve immediately or let cool completely before covering with plastic wrap for storage at room temperature.