You’re already using her secret ingredient, just not enough of it.

As soon as I finished the book, I preheated the oven for Inas brownies.

I needed to know if tons of vanilla extract would make for the best-ever brownies.

A split image of Ina Garten and a plate of brownies

Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Meghan Splawn

Some recipes, likeSimply Recipes Fudgy Cocoa Brownies, dont call for vanilla extract at all.

These brownies have a crackled-crisp top and a fudgy interior studded with walnuts and chocolate pieces.

At first bite, the brownies are sweet and buttery, with a subtle chocolate flavor.

A hand holding a vanilla extract bottle with bowls of baking ingredients in the backgrounds

Simply Recipes / Meghan Splawn

Overhead view of a baking tray with brownies

Simply Recipes / Meghan Splawn

Closeup of a hand holding a brownie, showing its fudgy center

Simply Recipes / Meghan Splawn