3/4 c. sifted cake flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. soft shortening
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 to 2 1/2 sq. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 c. chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, or peanuts
6 oz. chocolate chips

1. Start heating oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8x8x2 inch pan. Sift flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Gradually add sugar to shortening, mixing until very light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla; mix until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate, then flour mixture, chocolate chips and nuts. (If desired, save half of nuts to sprinkle on top of batter before baking.)

3. Turn into pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until done. Cool slightly. Cut into 16 squares or bars; sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if desired. Store right in pan.