Chocolate Carrot Brownies

This is a recipe from The Dough Boys bakery in Asheville, North Carolina, which has been closed for many years now.

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup finely shredded carrots
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Grated zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup dark or golden raisins (optional)

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, then butter lightly; set aside.

Melt chocolate and butter in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir to blend, then remove from heat and set aside.

Sift flour, sugar and salt into a large bowl. With a wooden spoon, beat eggs into reserved chocolate mixture, one egg at a time. Pour chocolate mixture into the flour mixture; blend well. Stir in carrots, nuts, orange zest, vanilla extract and raisins (if desired). Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake in the middle of a preheated 350 degree F oven about 30 minutes, or until a knife or wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove the pan from the oven and let brownies cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares when cool.