4 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 F.

In a heavy saucepan on low heat, melt the chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla. Stir until well-blended.

Stir in the flour and salt. Blend well. Stir in the nuts, if using. Blend well.

Pour batter into a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

Makes about 32 (11/2-by-2-inch) bars.

— Recipe courtesy of Karen Kiester