1 (16 oz.) jar Maraschino cherries
2/3 c. butter
1 (6 oz.) pkg. (1 c.) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned), uncooked
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
2 tsp. vegetable shortening

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Drain cherries; reserve 12 and chop remainder. In large saucepan, melt butter and 1/2 cup chocolate pieces over low heat; stir until melted. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add sugar, vanilla and eggs. Stir in combined dry ingredients, chopped cherries and nuts. Spread into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake about 25 minutes or until brownies pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely.

Halve reserved cherries; place on top of brownies. In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt remaining 1/2 cup chocolate pieces and shortening; stir until mixture is melted and smooth. Drizzle over brownies; cut into 2 1/2-inch squares. Store in airtight container. Makes 2 dozen.