1 c. butter
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 c. flour
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Combine sugar and flour in a large bowl. Stir in melted mixture. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring just until ingredients are evenly moistened. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool. Makes 2 dozen.