Peanut Butter Brownies

In a medium saucepan combine chopped chocolate and shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted; cool. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.

Stir sugar and the 1/4 cup peanut butter into melted chocolate. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition just until combined. Stir in vanilla.

In a small bowl stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake for 20 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. In a small bowl combine frosting and the 2 tablespoons peanut butter; spread over brownies. Cut into bars. If desired, top with peanut butter cups.