Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter sides and bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan.* Line bottom with parchment paper.

Stir chopped chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over very, very low heat until both have melted and the chocolate is smooth, stirring often. Remove from heat.

Place flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl and stir to combine.

Whisk eggs in medium bowl until well mixed. Whisk in sugar and vanilla until thoroughly blended.

Add cooled chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture. Stir to combine.

Stir flour mixture into chocolate batter. When incorporated, add dried cherries, chocolate chips, and cherry preserves. Stir to mix and distribute well.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Test with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Cool brownies completely in pan on rack.

Cut brownies into 8 wedges. Garnish with chocolate covered cherries or ice cream or both, if desired.