Quick And Chewy Chocolate Drops

8 oz Hershey's semi-sweet baking chocolate, broken into pieces

1/4 c Butter or margarine; softened (1/2 stick)

1/2 c Sugar

1 Egg

1 1/2 ts Vanilla extract

1/2 c All purpose flour

1/4 ts Baking powder

1/2 c Chopped nuts; (optional)

Heat oven to 350 deg F.

In small microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate.

Microwave at high (100%) 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted when stirred; cool slightly.

In large mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar until well blended.

Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

Blend in melted chocolate, flour and baking powder.

Stir in nuts, if desired.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until almost set.

Cool slightly.

Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Cool completely.

About 2 dozen cookies.