1 (16 oz.) jar maraschino cherries
2/3 c. butter
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 c.)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 c. rolled oats
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vegetable shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Drain cherries. Reserve 12 and chop remainder. In large saucepan melt butter and 1/2 cup chocolate pieces over low heat; stir until melted. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add sugar, vanilla and eggs. Stir in combine dry ingredients, chopped cherries and nuts. Spread in greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake about 25 minutes or until brownies pull away from side of pan. Cool completely. Halve reserve cherries place on top of brownies.

In heavy saucepan over low heat melt remaining chocolate pieces and shortening. Stir until melted and smooth. Drizzle over brownies. Cut into 2 1/2 squares. Store in airtight container. Makes 2 dozen.