ESPRESSO SWIRL BROWNIES

8 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
1 tablespoon water
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square pan across the bottom and up 2 opposite sides with parchment paper or foil.

Melt the butter with the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in a medium heatproof bowl set in a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and smooth.

Remove the top of the double boiler (or the bowl) from the heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, stirring until each is incorporated before adding the next.

Stir in the flour and beat with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the sides of the pan, about 1 minute. Spread all but 1/2 cup of the batter in the prepared pan. Set aside.

Combine the coffee powder with the water. Set aside.

Mix the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the egg and the coffee mixture until well blended. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan. Spoon dollops of reserved brownie batter on top.

Without scraping the bottom of the pan, draw a table knife through the dollops to swirl and marble the chocolate and espresso batter without thoroughly mixing them.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the brownies just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool on a rack.

Refrigerate and chill thoroughly before cutting, about 2 hours.

Slide a knife between the pan and the brownies on the unlined sides. Lift the ends of the parchment or foil liner and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares. May be stored, airtight, in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

Servings: 16
Source: Cookies and Brownies by Alice Medrich