Tried and True black beer recipies?

I've previously done some searching and didn't come up with a lot.

I love new belgium's 1554 black ale. I've seen some clone recipes and may try one if no one posts a good alternative.

Soo... any tried and true black beer recipes? Not really looking to clone 1554, just wanna try my hand at brewing a black beer...

If you've had 1554 (the only black beer I've been able to find 'round here), try to compare it to the tried and true recipe...

*Edit - will be batch sparged, all grain. OK with step mash if it'll improve the results.

I was looking for something similar to Kostritzer which is one of my personal favorite black beers. I haven't tried the recipe but it's on my to do list.

BeerTools.com Recipe Library - Jamil Zainasheff's Schwarzbier

I have not tasted this beer. You might want be more specific on the style. I don't think "Black Beer" is a style in the BJCP. Schwarzbier, like jerryodom linked to is a black lager. I highly recommend listening to the podcast also.