Double Fudge Saucepan Brownies

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

In medium-size saucepan over low heat, cook sugar, butter and water, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to boil. Remove from heat; immediately add 1 cup of the chocolate chips, stirring until chips are melted. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until blended.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely; cut into bars.