Chocolate Brownies

This chewy brownie came from my mom's old Betty Crocker cookbook, and is our all time favorite brownie recipe. Everyone always says these are the best brownies they've ever had.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 brownies

Ingredients

• 4  unsweetened chocolate squares
• 2⁄3 cup shortening
• 2  cups sugar
• 4  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  nuts

Directions

1. Melt chocolate and shortening in microwave, checking every 30 seconds to see if the shortening is melted. Do not let chocolate burn. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Cool chocolate mixture until lukewarm. Add eggs and mix well. Add flour and nuts if using, and stir until well blended. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake. Score top of brownies a few minutes after you remove them from the oven. Don't cut all the way through the brownie until they are completely cool.