4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. Melt chocolate and shortening in large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat. Mix in sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in pan.

Bake 30 minutes or until brownies start to pull away from sides of pan. Do not overbake. Cool slightly. Cut into bars, about 2 x 1 1/2 inches. If desired, spread with Glossy Chocolate Frosting before cutting.

GLOSSY CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

3 tbsp. shortening
2 c. confectioners' sugar
1/3 c. milk
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt shortening and chocolate in saucepan over low heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; beat until smooth. Place pan of frosting in bowl of ice and water; continue beating until of spreading consistency. If desired, stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts.