Chocolate Crumb Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Butter the baking pan very well. Dust a 9-inch glass pan with the cocoa and shake out any excess.

Place the crumbs and brown sugar in a food processor bowl. Process 20 to 30 seconds to combine. Pour the crumb mixture into the melted butter and combine with a fork.

Empty the crumb mixture into the pan. Using a tablespoon, press the crumbs firmly against the sides of the pan, working them up to the rim to form an edge. Smooth the bottom with the spoon.

Lay a square of plastic wrap over the crumbs. Using a smooth bottomed glass, press firmly against the plastic to smooth the crumbs on the bottom. Press firmly at the bend because the crumbs accumulate there. Remove the plastic wrap.

Place the pie plate on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crumbs begin to smell. The surface should feel set, but the bottom will not firm until the shell cools. Let shell cool completely before filling.