Chocolate Brownies

One of my mom's recipes. Want delicious brownies? Put away the brownie mix and mix up this recipe - you won't be disappointed!

Chocolate Brownies:

1 ½ cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ cup sugar
2/3 cup butter
4 tbsp hot water
24 oz (3 cups) chocolate chips, divided
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts (opt)

Mix sugar, butter, & water - bring to a boil. Remove & add 1 ½ cup chocolate chips & vanilla. Cool completely. Add eggs, stir in remaining ingredients; rest of chocolate chips. Pour into greased 13 x 9 in pan. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes.