1/2 c. shortening or 1 stick butter
1/3 c. baking cocoa
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8x2-inch pan. Melt shortening (on stove or in microwave). Remove from heat; add cocoa and stir until well blended. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Stir in vanilla, flour, and salt. Do not overbeat. Fold in nuts (if desired). Spread in prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.