Helen's Brownies (similar to Mississippi Mud Pie)

1 cube butter or margarine
1/2 cup oil
1 cup water
4 tablespoons cocoa


Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.


In large bowl, sift:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda


Pour boiled liquid gradually into flour mixture, stirring until blended.


Add:
2 slightly beaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk


Pour into a jelly roll pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.


FROSTING:
1 cube butter or margarine
4 tablespoons cocoa


Melt, remove from heat.


Add:
6 to 8 tablespoons milk or Half & Half
1 box powdered sugar, whole box at one time


Will be lumpy, but continue to beat until smooth.


Add: 
1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts


Add a little more milk if frosting is too thick.  Frosting spreads better if spread while brownies are still warm.

Brownies

1/2 cup butter or margarine
8 oz. dark chocolate chips
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnuts


Melt chocolate chips in shortening over low heat, cream shortening mixture and sugar.  Add eggs, mayonnaise and vanilla, beating thoroughly.  Add flour, salt and baking powder to creamed mixture.  Stir in nuts.  Pour into well greased 8x10 inch pan.  Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool.  Cut into squares.