PRIZE WINNING BASIC WHITE CAKE

2 cups flour
3 tsps baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla flavoring

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 round cake pans or 1 9x13-inch pan and set aside.

Sift flour and baking powder together into a large bowl. Add the shortening to the flour mixture and cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy. Beat the egg yolks separately and add to the creamed mixture one at a time alternating with the flour mixture and a small amount of the evaporated milk, continuing to cream after each addition until smooth. Beat the egg whites and add the vanilla to them. Combine with the batter mixture and continue to cream until all the ingredients are combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan or pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes (depending on which pans you use) or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and frost with your favorite frosting.

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PALEO MAPLE CINNAMON PECAN BUTTER

I do not follow a Paleo Diet but know some of you do. I have not made this recipe but it does look good.

2 cups raw pecans

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp ground cinnamon

pinch of fine-grain sea salt

Place pecans, syrup and cinnamon in a food processor or a high-speed blender. Puree until mixture is smooth. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Note: If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup almond or walnut oil to the mixture before processing.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

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COURTSIDE CARAMEL CORN

6 quarts popped popcorn

2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda

Place the popped popcorn in a large glass bowl and set aside. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease two 13 x 9-inch baking pans; set aside.

In a 2-qt saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter or margarine, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda; mix well. Pour the syrup mixture over the popcorn and stir until all the corn is well coated. Pour into the prepared pans and bake, uncovered, at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely before storing. May be stored in air-tight containers or plastic zip-top bags.

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TOFFEE STREUSEL TOPPED APPLE PIE WITH FLAKY PIE CRUST

FLAKY PIE CRUST:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
4 to 6 tbsp ice water

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or two butter knives. Add ice water, tossing with a fork, until mixture comes together; form into a bowl. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 13-inch circle. Place in a 9-inch glass pie plate. Trim the overhang to 1-inch and fold under. Flute the edge. Use with the following pie.

CARAMEL STREUSEL TOPPING:
9 tbsp butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup toffee bits

APPLE FILLING:
6 or 7 Golden Delicious apples
3/4 cup toffee bits
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

To make the topping combine butter, flour, sugar, and toffee bits. Form mixture into two balls; refrigerate.

Filling: Cut each of the apples into quarters. Peel and core each quarter, then cut each in half. Toss the apples with the toffee chips, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Spoon the mixture into the crust. Dot with the butter. Remove the topping from the refrigerator and break into pieces over the apples. Bake for 20 minutes. Loosely cover pie with a tent of foil with a quarter-sized hole in the center to allow steam to escape. Bake for 1 hour or until bubbly and crust is golden at 400 degrees.

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PERSIMMON FESTIVAL BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

2 cups persimmon pulp
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 cups butter
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 tsp nutmeg
3 eggs

Cream sugar and butter together; add persimmon pulp, buttermilk and eggs. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake in greased and floured pan for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool and frost with the following icing.

CREAM CHEESE ICING:
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp milk

Cream together the butter and cream cheese; add vanilla and milk; mix well. Add powdered sugar and blend in well. Spread over the brownies. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

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PUMPKIN OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup raisins, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Cream butter and gradually add to the sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin; mix into the sugar mixture very well. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix well. Add raisins if you would like and mix in well. Drop onto lightly greased baking sheets and bake approximately 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

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CRANBERRY LOAF CAKE with SAUCE

This is from my vintage recipe collection. I think, can't say for sure, that my late mother got this recipe years ago from a Jello Pudding and Pie Filling advertisement. It was with an attachment that read, "Pudding has revolutionized the whole world of cake baking, made cake from a mix taste better than ever."

1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg (4-serving size) lemon instant pudding and pie filling mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 can (1 lb) whole berry cranberry sauce, broken up
water
1 pkg (4-serving size) lemon cook & serve pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans; set aside.

In large mixer bowl combine the cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, and chopped pecans, blend. Once ingredients are blended, beat at medium speed for 4 minutes. Fold half the cranberry sauce into the mixture. Pour the mixture evenly into the two prepared loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cakes are starting to pull away from pans. Do not under bake these cakes. Cool in pans for 15 minutes; remove cakes and cool completely on wire racks.

Place the remaining cranberry sauce in a large measure and add enough water to make 2 1/2 cups. Pour mixture into a saucepan and add the pudding mix, sugar, and salt. Cook while stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil and thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Serve this sauce warm over the cake slices.

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STRAWBERRY DREAM LAYER CAKE

This recipe is an old one from Sweet Pea's Kitchen with some additions of my own.

10 ounces frozen whole strawberries (2 cups)
3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
6 large egg whites, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (9 ounces) cake flour
1 3/4 cups (12 1/4 ounces) granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces and softened

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease two 9-inch round baking pans line bottoms of pan with parchment, grease parchment and flour.

Transfer strawberries to a large bowl, cover, and microwave until strawberries are soft and have released their juice, about 5 minutes. Place in fine-mesh strainer set over small saucepan and press fruit dry (juice should measure at least 3/4 cup); reserve strawberry solids. Bring juice to boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, 6 to 8 minutes. Whisk milk into juice until combined.

Whisk strawberry milk, egg whites, and vanilla in bowl. Using stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on low speed until combined. Add butter, 1 piece at a time, and mix until only pea-size pieces remain, about 1 minute. Add half of milk mixture, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium-low, add remaining milk mixture, and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Give batter final stir by hand.

Pour into prepared pans and smooth tops with rubber spatula and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes then turn out onto rack to cool cakes to room temperature, discarding parchment, about 2 hours. Once cool, use a long, serrated knife to level.

When cake is cool, make your favorite frosting. Add the strawberry solids to a small amount of the frosting to use as filling between the layers. Frost cake with remaining frosting and add fresh strawberries in the center as garnish, if desired.

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TOASTED COCONUT HOT CHOCOLATE

1 can (113.66-oz) can chilled coconut milk, divided
2 tbsp powdered sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract, divided
1 qt unsweetened coconut milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
6-oz bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao)
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
toasted coconut for garnish
chocolate shavings for garnish
extra cinnamon for garnish

Without shaking or tilting the can, carefully open the canned coconut milk; remove solidified cream from the top and place in a bowl. Reserve the liquid.

Add 1 teaspoon of the vanilla to the bowl along with the powdered sugar and beat with an electric mixer until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining of the canned coconut milk, unsweetened coconut milk, granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. continue to cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is hot and all sugar is dissolved. This will take about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Whisk the bittersweet chocolate, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and the remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla.

Pour into mugs and top with the toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, and extra cinnamon for garnish.

Yield: 4 servings

I got this recipe and photo from SL ln 2017.

FRESH PEAR CAKE

2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups canola oil
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups fresh pears, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, and canola oil; beat until creamy and fluffy.

Mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry mixture to the creamy mixture one cup at a time, beating constantly.

Add the vanilla, pears, and nuts, if using. Mix thoroughly.

Bake cake at 350 degrees for 1 hour in a lightly greased tube pan.

When cake is cooled you may serve plain or make a simple powdered sugar glaze to pour over cake.

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MRS. HAZEL'S OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

An old cookbook recipe.

1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup solid shortening
2 eggs
2 cups oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, shortening and eggs. Mix together until fluffy. Stir in the oats. Sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder into the oats mixture. Mix well and stir in the vanilla, raisins, and chopped nuts, if using. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly brown around edges.

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BERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

6-oz white chocolate, chopped

1 1/3 cups heavy cream

2 1/2 cups raspberries

3 tbsp sugar

White chocolate curls for garnish, optional

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix chocolate and 1/3 cup cream; microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring, until melted; cool. 

In a food processor, puree 2 cups of the raspberries and the sugar. Using a spoon, push through a strainer

On medium-high speed, beat remaining cream until stiff. Fold into chocolate mixture; reserve 1 cup. Fold raspberry puree into the remaining chocolate mixture. Alternately spoon mousses into glasses. Cover and chill. Top with the remaining berries. Garnish with white chocolate curls, if desired.

First for women 4/22

PEANUT BUTTER CREME FUDGE TORTE CAKE

Cake:

1 white or yellow moist supreme cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

Filling:
6 tbsps all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla

Glaze:
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl at low speed, mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until moistened. Beat for 2 minutes at high speed. Pour batter into the prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of cakes comes out clean. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from pans and allow to cool completely on wire racks.

While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the flour and milk. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until very thick. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Cool in the refrigerator while cake is baking and cooling. Combine the sugar, butter, peanut butter and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and cream together well. When the milk mixture is chilled, add to the creamed mixture and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Cut the cooled cake layers in half horizontally using a thread or a long sharp knife to form 4 thin layers. Place one layer on the serving plate with the cut side up. Spread 1/3 of the filling mixture evenly over the layer. Repeat with the second and third layers. Top with the remaining layer putting it cut side down.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and oil. Microwave on medium for 1 to 2 minutes until chocolate morsels are melted. Stir until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup of the glaze. Spread remainder of the glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts. Use the reserved glaze to drizzle over the peanuts and down sides of the cake. Refrigerate until serving time. This cake should be refrigerated at least 2 hours before cutting. Refrigerate any leftovers.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE MARBLE POUND CAKE

3 cups cake flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup milk
1 tbsp grated orange peel
3 squares (1-oz each) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease 10-inch tube pan with removable bottom and dust with flour tapping out any excess. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. At low speed, beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Beat after each addition until smooth. Place 2 cups of the batter into a small bowl and stir in the orange peel; set aside. Stir melted chocolate into the remaining batter. Spoon a layer of the chocolate batter into bottom of prepared pan. Top with a thin layer of the orange-flavored batter. Repeat with the remaining batters alternating orange over chocolate and chocolate over orange. With a large metal spatula, gently swirl batters together a few times to marble. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched with fingertip. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen from edge of pan by running a thin knife or spatula between cake and pan. Remove sides of pan. Cool cake completely before removing the center and bottom. Cake is best when allowed to stand overnight before cutting.

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PUMPKIN SHEET CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

2 1/4 cups (318g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup (210g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (170g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 3/4 cups (425g) canned pumpkin
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray, set aside. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves for 20 seconds, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (preferably an attachment that constantly scrapes bowl, if not attachment doesn't then stop and scrape down sides and bottom of bowl occasionally throughout entire mixing process) blend together granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined and there are no clumps of brown sugar (break them up with your fingertips if needed). Mix in melted butter and oil. Blend in eggs one at a time. Add in pumpkin, vanilla and milk and blend until combined. With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour mixture and mix until combined. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl and fold batter several times with a spatula to ensure it's evenly incorporated. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 - 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack then frost with cream cheese frosting (recipe below) and top with nuts if desired.

Cream Cheese Frosting
12 oz . cream cheese , nearly at room temperature
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, nearly at room temperature
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

 In the bowl of an electric stand mixer whip together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla and whip for a few minutes until light and fluffy. If needed freeze in bowl for a few minutes then mix again, repeating a few times as needed for a thicker consistency.

Yield: 24 servings

Recipe source: Cooking Classy

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CRANBERRY-ALMOND UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

1/4 cup cold butter, sliced

2 cups frozen cranberries

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 box pound cake mix

1 can (8-oz) almond paste, grated

2 tsp orange zest

1 cup whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.

Grease and flour an 8-inch by 3-inch round cake pan. Arrange the butter slices over the bottom of the pan.

In a bowl, toss the cranberries with both sugars and sprinkle over the butter.

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions, adding the almond paste and orange zest. Pour over the cranberries in the pan.

Bake at 350-degrees 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Remove from oven and immediately gently run a thin knife around the sides of cake to loosen. Place your serving platter on top of cake, invert and remove pan. Allow to cool before cutting.

Top with whipped topping. Garnish with additional cranberries and sprinkle with some sliced almonds, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings

I got this recipe a dozen years ago from a women's magazine.

MICROWAVE APPLE CRUNCH

This recipe was in a Women's Magazine many years ago when microwaves were first popular.

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
3 tbsps packed brown sugar
2 tbsps all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup sugar

Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the Graham cracker crumbs, oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Stir until well blended; set aside. Put apples and sugar in an 8-inch square microwave-safe dish and toss to mix. Sprinkle the topping mixture from the bowl evenly over the apples. Microwave uncovered on high for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Use a rotating microwave pad or turn the mixture halfway through the cooking time for even cooking. Remove from the microwave and set on a flat surface for 30 minutes until just warm and topping is firm.

 Photo from Kitchen Frau

COCONUT-ALMOND BUTTERMILK BLISS PIE

Pastry for a 1-crust pie

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1/4 cup butter at room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup almond paste

2 large eggs

2 tbsp flour

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Heat oven to 350-degrees.

Fit pastry in a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges as desired. (To prevent crust from becoming soggy, you can lightly brush with a beaten egg, if desired.) Poke pastry with a toothpick or fork to release air bubbles and bake 15 minutes or until lightly brown.

While pastry bakes, pulse coconut until coarsely browned in a food processor. This will take about 8 minutes. Set coconut aside.

In food processor, combine butter sugar and almond paste. Process 1 minute or until smooth. Scrape down sides as needed while processing.

With food processor running, add eggs, one at a time, processing 30 seconds after each. Add flour, buttermilk and coconut. Pulse about 6 times, until combined. Pour mixture into baked crust. Place pie plate on a baking sheet, place in oven and bake 40 minutes or just until the center is set and golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

To serve, garnish with fresh fruit, if desired.

My version of a pie from First for women 2024

BANANA-WALNUT MUFFINS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 12 muffin tin cups.

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture. In a small bowl, mix the milk, egg, water, oil, banana and walnuts together well. Pour the milk mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Mix the batter just until all the flour mixture is moistened. Do not over mix muffin batter! Spoon the batter (using an ice cream scoop makes muffins even in size) into the prepared muffin tin cups. Bake at 400 degrees about 15 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and muffins are golden.

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CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE PIE

1 9-inch pie crust
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsps sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 pkg (15 oz) Fudge Brownie Mix (with a fudge packet)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tbsps water
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and 1 of the eggs. Beat the mixture until smooth. Set aside. Reserve the fudge packet from the brownie mix.

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, canola oil, 1 tablespoon of the water, and the remaining two eggs. Beat the mixture 50 strokes with a large spoon. Spread 1/2 cup of this mixture over the pie crust. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly and carefully over the brownie mixture. Top cream cheese mixture with the remaining brownie mixture. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans.

Bake pie at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until the center is puffed and the crust is golden brown. Place the ingredients of the fudge packet in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir the remaining water into the chocolate. Drizzle over the top of the pie. Cool at least 3 hours before cutting. Store this pie in the refrigerator.

This is a file photo.