Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

**Unless otherwise stated, I take NO credit for the creation of these recipes! I can cook, but I'm not usually inclined to experiment on my own!**

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

This recipe can also be found here, at the original source.

Brownie mix
6 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 cup pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. flour

Preheat your oven and make brownie mix according to directions on package.

In a second bowl blend cream cheese and pumpkin until very smooth. Then add vanilla, egg, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.

In an oil-sprayed glass pan, pour about 3/4 of the brownie batter and spread evenly. Top with the pumpkin mixture, and then finish off with little spoonfuls of the rest of your brownie batter scattered over the top. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled look. Bake according to directions, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly. Let cool and enjoy!

THE VERDICT: Jake is NOT a pumpkin fan, so he didn't even attempt to eat these little guys. And I only like pumpkin when there's also chocolate involved, so these guys were a little too pumpkin-y for me: if I make them again, I'll use a bit less pumpkin. However, I used a lot of them on treat plates for neighbors and friends, and got lots of compliments on them so they were a success overall!

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

**Unless otherwise stated, I take NO credit for the creation of these recipes! I can cook, but I'm not usually inclined to experiment on my own!**

Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Brownies:

3/4 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

1/2 cup butter

1 cup granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and butter for 1-2 min until melted. Stir until smooth. Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 9x9" pan with nonstick spray. Whisk sugar, eggs and vanilla into melted chocolate mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add them to the chocolate mixture, stirring until combined. Spread the batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Peanut Butter Layer:

1 cup granulated white sugar

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the partially cooked brownies. Bake for 25-30 more min. or until the top is light brown and mixture appears to be set. Let it cool in the pan.

Topping:

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 cup chocolate chips

In a medium, microwave-safe bowl heat the chocolate chips until they are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and again mix until smooth. Pour the mixture over the top of the brownies and spread until even. Let stand until set (or refrigerate). Cut into 24 chunks and serve.

THE VERDICT: Jake was in LOVE with these things. They're very rich so a small square is plenty; don't try to eat them in a regular brownie size or you'll get sick (not that Jake did that, of course...)