Tri-Level Brownies

1 cup quick rolled oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp baking soda

6 Tbsp butter, melted

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 (1 oz) square unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 egg

2/3 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Fudge Frosting (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 F.

For bottom layer, stir together first 4 ingredients and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir in 6 Tbsp melted butter. Pat into (11 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch) baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.

For middle layer, combine sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and chocolate; add egg. Beat well. In separate bowl, stir together 2/3 cup flour, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; add to chocolate mixture alternately with a mixture of the milk and vanilla, mixing after each addition. Fold in nuts. Spread batter over baked layer. Continue baking at 350 F for 25 minutes. Cool. Frost with Fudge Frosting. Cut into 16 bars. Top each bar with walnut halves, if desired.

Fudge Frosting

In a small saucepan melt one (1 oz) square unsweetened chocolate and 2 Tbsp butter over low heat; stir constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Blend in hot water (about 2 Tbsp) to make almost pourable consistency.