Black Forest Brownies

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 chocolate curls or simply grated chocolate.