DIRECTIONS

In a mixing bowl, combine cocoa and baking soda. Beat in 1/3 cup butter. Stir in water until mixture thickens. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla and remaining butter. Beat in flour. Stir in peanut butter chips. Line a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan with foil and grease the foil; spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until brownies pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Use a snowman pattern or a cookie cutter to mark brownies; cut with a knife. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Decorate with M&M's and chips if desired. Yield: 1 dozen large or 3 dozen small brownies.