Black Forest Brownies

1 (24.7 ounce) jar Dark Morello Cherries
FOR THE FILLING:
4 ounces Neufchatel cheese or light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar, preferably superfine or Baker’s sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond flavoring
2 teaspoons German cherry liqueur (Kirschwasser)
FOR THE BROWNIES:
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 160 grams
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces Weinrich semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons German cherry liqueur (Kirschwasser)
TO SERVE:
powdered sugar
mint sprigs
vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9-inch square pan with shortening and line with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper with shortening.

Drain the cherries well; discard syrup or use for another purpose.

TO MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
Beat the Neufchatel cheese or light cream cheese in a medium sized bowl using a hand held electric mixer. Add the sugar and beat until smooth, scraping sides if necessary. Add the egg, almond flavoring and Kirschwasser; beat until smooth. Refrigerate until needed for assembling the brownies.

TO PREPARE THE BROWNIES:
Put the flour, baking powder, and salt together and stir with a whisk to mix together. Set aside.

Place the chocolate and the butter in a large bowl, cover loosely with waxed paper, and heat in the microwave oven until melted. This will take about 3-5 minutes depending on the microwave. Cool slightly.

Add the sugar and mix to incorporate.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.

Add the flour mixture, stirring just enough to blend the ingredients so that all of the flour is incorporated.

TO ASSEMBLE AND BAKE:
Put about half of the brownie mixture into the prepared pan. Arrange the drained cherries on top of the chocolate mixture. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the cherries. Then, spoon on the remaining brownie mixture. Swirl lightly with a knife to mix the colors.

Bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes. The center will still be a bit gooey at the end of baking time. Do not wait until the center is completely dry; if so the brownies are overcooked.

Cool brownies, remove from pan, and cut into squares.

TO SERVE:
Place a brownie on a plate and sprinkle powdered sugar over it. Garnish with a sprig of mint. You may also serve these brownies with vanilla ice cream.

Source: the German Agricultural Marketing Board