Recipe: Almond Macaroon Brownies

ALMOND MACAROON BROWNIES

FOR THE BROWNIE LAYER:
6 squares (1 oz each) semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup margarine or butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup toasted chopped almonds, divided use
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup flaked coconut
1 whole almonds (optional)
1 square semisweet chocolate, melted (optional)

TO PREPARE THE BROWNIE LAYER:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square pan.

Microwave 6 squares chocolate and margarine in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until margarine is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Stir 2/3 cup sugar into melted chocolate mixture. Mix in 2 eggs and vanilla until well blended. Stir in 1 cup flour and 1/3 cup of the toasted chopped almonds. Spread in prepared pan.

TO PREPARE THE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:
Mix cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon flour in same bowl until smooth. Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds and the coconut. Spread over brownie batter. Garnish with whole almonds, if desired.

Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Do not overbake. Cool in pan.

Drizzle with 1 square melted chocolate, if desired.

Servings: 16
Source: Baker's Easiest-Ever Chocolate Recipes