2 oz. bitter chocolate
1 c. boiling water
3/4 c. butter
1/4 c. Crisco
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash salt
12 oz. pkg. bittersweet chocolate chips

Melt chocolate in boiling water. Cream butter, Crisco and sugar. Add eggs, flour, soda, vanilla and salt. Add chocolate and chocolate chips. Pour into paper-lined mini cupcake tins. Sprinkle with nuts if desired (I don't). Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes (I opt. for 20). Frost (I don't) or sprinkle with powdered sugar (I do). Makes about 50 mini cupcakes.