RED VELVET CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

1/2 cup butter

2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp red food coloring

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

8-oz cream cheese, room temperature

1/3 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease bottom and sides of an 8-inch metal square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, extending over the ends. Butter parchment.

In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave butter and chocolate until melted, stirring every few seconds until melted. Allow to cool for a few minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla and food coloring until blended. Add the chocolate and stir until smooth. Add the flour and salt, stirring just until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and level out.

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drop in 8 dollops over the brownie batter. Swirl into the batter using a knife.

Bake at 350-degrees 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Brownies are done when the edges are browned and knife inserted into the cheesecake comes out clean. Cool in pan then lift out using the parchment and cut into squares.

file photo