1/4 c. butter
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. nuts (optional)
1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom only of a square 8x8x2 inch pan with shortening. Heat butter and 1 package chocolate chips in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted; remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts and 1/2 cup chocolate chips, mix real hard with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add nuts and chocolate chips. Spread in pan with rubber scraper. Bake about 30 minutes.