If you're called away from the cooker - by the phone, say, or by someone at the door - take pans off the heat. It's the easiest thing in the world to forget about them.
Keep electrical leads from trailing over or going near the cooker.
Melt chocolate and Crisco over warm water; cool slightly. Blend together eggs, vanilla, sugar and salt; stir in chocolate mixture, then flour. Fold in walnuts. Turn into well greased 8-inch square pan. Bake at 325~ for about 40 minutes. Spoon jam over hot brownies; spread carefully. Let cool. Top with Velvet Chocolate Glaze.