Almond Cheesecake Brownies

by the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

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Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of.  "Almond Cheesecake Brownies."  05 December 2006.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/almond-cheesecake-brownies-recipe.htm>  06 July 2008.

Yield: Makes 16 brownies
Ingredients:
4
squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate

5
tablespoons butter, divided

1
package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1
cup granulated sugar, divided

3
eggs, divided

1/2
cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1-1/2
teaspoons vanilla, divided

1/2
teaspoon baking powder

1/4
teaspoon salt

1/2
teaspoon almond extract

1/2
cup chopped or slivered almonds

Almond Icing (recipe follows)



Preparation:
1.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8-inch square baking pan. Melt chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in small heavy saucepan over low heat; set aside. Mix cream cheese with remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small bowl. Slowly add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, blending well. Add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon flour and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; set aside. Beat remaining 2 eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add remaining 1/2 cup flour, baking powder and salt. Blend in chocolate mixture, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and almond extract. Stir in almonds.

2.
Spread half the chocolate mixture into prepared pan. Cover with cream cheese mixture; spoon remaining chocolate mixture over top. Swirl with knife or spatula to create marbled effect. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is set. Do not overbake. Meanwhile, prepare Almond Icing. Cool brownies 5 minutes; spread icing evenly over top. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.





Almond Icing

Ingredients:
1/2
cup semisweet chocolate chips

3
tablespoons milk

2
tablespoons butter

1/4
teaspoon almond extract

1
cup powdered sugar



Preparation:
1.
Combine chocolate chips, milk, butter and almond extract in small heavy saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Add powdered sugar; beat until glossy and easy to spread.






This recipe appears in: Frosting & Icing