Applesauce Brownies II

½ cup shortening

2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan. In a microwave oven or over a double boiler, melt shortening and chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, blend together the sugar, eggs, applesauce and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chocolate mixture. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before cutting into squares.