Marbled Brownies

Everyone needs a chocolate fix every now and then. Some folks need it more often than others. That would be my mother, who doesn't eat many "sweets" but loves chocolate. This recipe is perfect. It also came from her. I don't remember exactly when but probably around the time I left her kitchen for my own. It's easy (always a good thing) and is dressy enough to serve anywhere.

Marbled Brownies

1 package Duncan Hines Family Size Brownie Mix
2 packages (3 oz. each) cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
5 tablespoons butter (softened)
5 eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the cream cheese and butter together with your mixer. Add the sugar, two eggs, flour and vanilla. Beat until it's smooth. Set aside.

Brownie Batter: Empty the brownie mix and chocolate flavor packet into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water and three eggs. Mix by hand until thoroughly blended.

Pour half the brownie batter into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Pour all the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Spoon the remaining brownie batter here and there over the cream cheese batter. Move a knife through the batter in wide curves to create a swirl design.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Cool before you frost it.

Easy Chocolate Frosting

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the cocoa until it is blended thoroughly. Add the confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla. Stir until it's smooth. Add more milk, if necessary. until the consistency becomes easy to spread.

Frost brownies. Let them sit until the frosting is firm. Then cut into serving size pieces.