Ingredients

• 2 squares (1 ounce) of unsweetened chocolate
• 1/3 cup of shortening
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3/4 cup of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Method

Heat oven to 350°F.  Heat chocolate and shortening in 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted; remove from heat.  Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Spread into a greased pan, 8×8×2 inches.

Bake until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan (30 to 35 minutes).  Cool slightly.  Frost with chocolate frosting if desired.  Cut into about 2 inch squares.

Image via Wikipedia