Now this is what dessert is all about! Squares of fresh baked chocolate brownie topped with warm cherry pie filling and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Black Forest Brownies

3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup water, boiling 2 cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Toppings:
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, warmed 1 1/2 cups sweetened whipped cream
Chocolate curls for garnish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, mix cocoa and baking soda. Blend in butter. Stir in boiling water, and mix until thick. Stir in sugar, beaten eggs and remaining butter. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Blend until smooth. Stir in semisweet chocolate chips; pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the brownie pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from oven; cool completely before cutting into squares.
To serve, top brownies with warm cherry pie filling, a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate.

Makes 9 brownies.

Cook's Note: Use a vegetable peeler to make the chocolate curls, or simply grate the chocolate for an easier garnish.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/9 of recipe): 585.2 calories; 34% calories from fat; 23.8g total fat; 90.8mg cholesterol; 211.5mg sodium; 233.7mg potassium; 94.2g carbohydrates; 4.4g fiber; 44.8g sugar; 89.8g net carbs; 6.2g protein.