There are brownies and there are brownies. These are dark, rich and chewy -- a killer dessert when served with raspberry sauce and fresh berries.

•	3/4 cup 175 mL unsweetened cocoa powder
•	1/2 tsp. 2 mL baking soda
•	2/3 cup 150 mL melted butter, divided
•	1/2 cup 125 mL boiling water
•	2 cups 500 mL granulated sugar
•	2 eggs, beaten
•	1 tsp. 5 mL vanilla
•	1-1/3 cups 325 mL all purpose flour
•	1 cup 250 mL semisweet chocolate chips

Passionately pink raspberry coulis

•	4 cups 1 litre unsweetened frozen raspberries, defrosted
•	1/3 cup 75 mL icing sugar

Finishing touches:

•	2 cups 500 mL fresh raspberries
•	icing sugar
•	whipped cream, if desired

1. First make the brownies.
2. Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cocoa, baking soda and half (1/3 cup/75 mL) of the melted butter. Add the boiling water and stir until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the sugar, eggs, remaining 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter and the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add the flour, stirring until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set but still moist in the center. A toothpick poked into the middle of the dish should be covered with chocolate. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into serving-sized squares.
4. Meanwhile make the raspberry coulis. In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed raspberries and sugar. Blend until completely smooth. Using a fine sieve, push the raspberry sauce through the holes to remove the seeds. Set aside.
5. Now put it all together. Spoon some of raspberry coulis onto each serving plate. Top with a browie, sprinkle lightly with icing sugar and add a few fresh raspberries. A dollop of whipped cream is a fabulous (but not entirely necessary) addition.
6. Serve immediately and be prepared for the consequences.

Makes at least 8 servings (or more if you cut the brownies smaller)

How kids can help:

•	Mix batter for brownies.
•	Run the blender to puree raspberries.
•	Arrange coulis, brownies and fresh berries on plates to serve.