Prepare the ingredients for the mixing of stage one. Beat the egg & add the vanilla (the REAL vanilla).
Assemble all of the ingredients & you are good to go.
In a medium pot, over a low heat, add butter, cocoa & sugar.
Stir to melt & don't let it over cook. You want the butter melted & the sugar dissolved. A whisk helps.
Pull from heat & add the rest of the ingredients & stir with a fork until it is well mixed.
At this point, it is really, really tasty btw.
Put it in your greased pan & pat it tight & flat.
Cover it with Saran & cool. This is a good opportunity to soften the butter for Layer # 2. Put the metal bowl in your lap & work the butter with a fork. This + heat transfer makes it an easy job. You might be tempted to nuke the butter but it can't be oily of you have to start again with fresh.
Take a break. You are done Layer #1.
Ian