1/3 c. shortening
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. chopped almonds
1/2 c. finely chopped almond paste or semi sweet chocolate chips

Place shortening and chocolate in baking dish, 8 x 8 x 2 inches. Microwave uncovered on medium high (70%) until melted, 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients except almond paste. Mix in almond paste. Spread batter evenly. Elevate baking dish on inverted dinner plate in microwave. Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) 4 minutes; rotating dish 1/4 turn.

Microwave, rotating dish 1/4 turn. Microwave, rotating dish 1/4 turn every 2 minutes, until wooden pick inserted about 1 inch from center comes out clean, 4 to 8 minutes longer. Let cool on heatproof surface (do not use rack). Cut into bars, about 2 x 1 1/4 inches. Makes about 2 dozen bars.