1 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
2 tbsp. shortening, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. nuts, optional

TOPPING:

1 c. brown sugar
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 1/2 c. boiling water

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cocoa. Add milk, shortening and vanilla. Mix only until smooth. (Don't over mix.) Add nuts. Turn into greased baking dish. To make topping, mix together brown sugar and 4 tablespoons cocoa. Sprinkle over batter in pan. Pour boiling water over top of batter. This forms a chocolate sauce in bottom of pan as it bakes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Very rich! Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.