2/3 cup margarine or butter, softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (12-oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup oats, quick or old-fashioned, uncooked

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Powdered sugar (optional)

 

Heat oven to 350 deg.  Lightly grease 13 x 9" baking pan.

 

Beat sugar, margarine, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth.  Add 1 cup chocolate chips, melted*: mix well.  Add flour, oats, baking powder, remaining 1 cup chocolate chips, and nuts.  Mix well.  Spread in prepared pan.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brownies pull away from sides of pan.  Cool completely.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.  Cut into bars.

 

Makes 2 dozen bars.

 

*Note:  To melt chocolate chips:  Place in dry glass measuring cup.  Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.  Or melt in top of double boiler over hot, but not boiling water.  Stir until smooth.