One Bowl Chocolate Bliss Cookies

2 pkg (8 squares each) semi sweet baking chocolate

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, slightly softened

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

2 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350.  Coarsely chop 8 of the chocolate squares; set aside.  Microwave remaining 8 chocolate squares in large bowl on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.  Stir until chocolate is completely melted.  Add sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla; stir until well blended.  Add flour and baking powder; mix well.  Stir in chopped chocolate and walnuts.  (Note:  if omitting nuts, increase flour to 3/4 cup to prevent excessive spreading of cookies as they bake.)  Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake 12-13 minutes or until cookies are puffed and shiny.  Cool 1 minute; remove from baking sheets to wire racks.  Cool completely. 

Makes 2 1/2 dozen