4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 inch pan. Melt shortening and chocolate in large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Spread in pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

GLOSSY CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

3 tbsp. shortening
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt shortening and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients. Beat until smooth. Then set pan in a bowl of ice water. Continue beating until spreading consistency (it thickens). Spread over brownies.