Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

These brownies are very rich and absolutely delicious! Brownie Batter: 1/2 cup butter 2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped (I use 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips) 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 tsp red food coloring 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt Cheesecake Mix: 8-oz cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease and 8" or 9" square pan.

In a small, heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir with a fork until very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add in the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Batter should be red. If a brighter red is desired, add an additional 1/2 tsp food coloring. Add flour and salt into the bowl and stir until everything is just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.

Prepare cheesecake mixture. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop in dollops onto prepared brownie batter. Gently swirl two batters with a butter knife.

Bake for 35-45 minutes (depending on size of pan), until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned. Cool in the pan completely before slicing and serving, either at room temperature or chilled. Brownies can be refrigerated, covered, for several days.

Makes 16 large brownies or 24 smaller brownies.