Kent's favourite

Kent had a birthday this last weekend. His actual birthday was on Friday, and his parents invited us to dine with them at their place. I didn't make a cake or anything for this because he was abstaining from sugar and booze in preparation for the half marathon he would be running on Sunday morning. But Bruce and Pam did a lovely meal for us, including a chocolate cake, and he had a nice little birthday.
Sunday was race day, and we trooped out to cheer him to the finish. His goal was to set a new personal best time, but he had had some injuries during the training and didn't quite make it. He did beat my half marathon time (of course) and felt ok at that. In celebration of the race, I made a special treat - Kent's favourite: Warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge.

Not to toot my own horn, but I really enjoy this brownie recipe, I guarantee it will please chocolate lovers.

Cream Cheese Brownies:

Brownie Layer:
4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
3 tbsp butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cheese layer:
1 pkg cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp flour

-Melt chocolate and 3 tbsp butter on low on the stove and stir until smooth.
-Beat warmed cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Add one egg and beat well. Stir in 2 tbsp flour, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Set aside.
-Use an electric mixer to beat the 2 eggs until thick. Add sugar and beat until really thick. Add flour, baking powder, salt, almond extract, and vanilla and gently stir into the eggs. Add the chocolate mixture and stir well.
-Spray an 8x8 brownie pan with non-stick spray. Pour chocolate mixture into the bottom of the pan and spread evenly. Pour the cheese mixture on top of brownie mixture and spread evenly.
-Bake @ 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, until set in the middle.

Serve warm with ice cream, hot fudge, whip and a cherry for pure decadence.