Fudge-Berry Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line eighteen 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and mixture almost boils. Stir in the chocolate until melted. Remove from heat. Place egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually stir the chocolate mixture into egg yolks; stir in vanilla (mixture may appear slightly grainy). Set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together cocoa powder, the flour and baking powder. Stir in chocolate-egg yolk mixture until smooth. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Stir a small amount of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in cups on a wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from cups; cool completely on a wire rack. To serve, top cupcakes with whipped topping and berries.