Friday, October 16, 2020

Cheesecake Brownies

 Two of my favorite desserts were wed and had this incredible child: cheesecake brownies. I have made this a few times (generally homemade, not from a box) but was delighted to try this easy box version.


INGREDIENTS:

1 family size box of your favorite brownie mix for a 9×13 baking dish, prepared according to package (avoid mixes that use chocolate/fudge syrup)

1 (8 ounce package) of cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/3 cup sugar (granulated sugar)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or regular size chips  (optional)


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, prepare your boxed brownie mix according to the directions on the box. When ready pour evenly into prepared baking dish.

In a medium size bowl beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Next add sugar, egg and vanilla, mixing until well blended.  Add chocolate chips (optional) folding into cream cheese mixture.

Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture evenly over brownie batter. Using a knife, gently swirl cream cheese mixture with brownie batter making a marble topping.

Place on middle rack of oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, check center of brownies using a toothpick to make sure it’s baked through. Do not over bake.

Allow to cool completely, store covered in refrigerator. Enjoy!


TIPS

Be sure to use your favorite boxed brownie mix and avoid mixes that use fudge/chocolate syrup packs,

Chocolate chips are optional but a great addition for chocolate lovers. You can use more or less than 1/2 cup of chips.

Make sure your egg and cream cheese are at room temperature for the cheesecake topping (helps with smooth/creaminess).

Use a plastic knife to cut the brownies!

Not a fan of boxed brownie mixes? Use your favorite brownie recipe from scratch.



Taco Soup

Every recipe I have tried from Carlsbad Cravings is always so flavorful. I love her story and her site and this recipe is no exception! Killer taco soup!

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 tsp EACH chili powder, ground cumin
1/2 tsp EACH salt, dried oregano, smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
1/4 cup flour
1 15 oz. can kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can sweet corn rinsed and drained
1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
1 cup mild salsa
1 10 oz. can mild enchilada sauce
5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

Add later:
1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed and softened

Garnish:
Tortilla chips or Fritos
Sour cream
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Avocado/guacamole
Hot sauce to taste
Fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or soup pot. 

Brown the meat with onions until meat is cooked. 

Add all spices/seasonings, red bell pepper and garlic. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.

Stir in kidney beans, black beans, corn, green chilies, salsa, enchilada sauce and chicken broth. 

Bring to boil then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Turn heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted, followed by pepper jack and cheddar cheese until melted. 

Add milk to thin to desired consistency if desired. 

Season with additional salt/pepper/hot sauce to taste.

Serve with tortilla chips/Fritos and additional garnishes as desired.