Saucepan Brownies

Makes 5-6 dozen brownies.

2/3 cups shortening
4 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped nuts
2 teaspoon vanilla

Melt shortening, chocolate, and sugar over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and beat in eggs. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda, and add to chocolate mixture. Stir in chopped nuts and vanilla. Pour batter into two greased 9x9 pans. Bake at 325oF for 20-25 minutes. Cool in pan 15-20 minutes; turn out and cool on rack. Optional: Ice with chocolate nut icing.