BOTTOM LAYER:

2 1/2 c. quick or regular oats
3/4 c. Gold Medal flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. butter, melted

INNER LAYER:

4 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. Crisco
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. Gold Medal flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt (or 1/2 tsp.)
1 c. chopped (opt.)

Grease 13"x9"x2" pan. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar and soda. Stir in butter. Reserve 3/4 cup mixture. Press remaining mixture into pan. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees; cool 5 minutes.

In a medium saucepan combine chocolate and Crisco and melt over low heat. Remove from heat nd stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. Spread over baked layer. Sprinkle with remaining oatmeal mixture (3/4 cup).

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until brownies pull away from sides. Do not overbake. Cool slightly and frost if desired. Use Glossy Chocolate Frosting.