Chocolate Tuesday

Today is Fat Tuesday and tomorrow is Ash Wendnesday, the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is also known as Pancake Tuesday in Canada and it is tradition to eat pancakes. Pancakes and doughnuts are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.

For me, Fat Tuesday should be called "Chocolate Tuesday"! It is the day that I try to rid our home of most of the chocolate goodies that we have - including my secret stash! That is because I normally try to fast from any form of chocolate during Lent. Luckily this year there really wasn't that much chocolate laying around so I didn't have to indulge too much, but there were still a few brownies left over from the weekend.

I have to say that these are some of the best brownies ever so I thought I would share my recipe with you. I won't be having them again until after Easter, but feel free to make up a pan and enjoy them. Just don't tell me how great they are until after Lent is over! Otherwise, you might find me knocking on your door looking for a handout!

Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp. baking soda

6 tablespoons butter, melted

3-oz. cream cheese, softened

1 egg yolk

1 cup granulated sugar

10 miniature (or 3 regular) Snickers bars

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 cup milk

1 cup purchased chocolate fudge frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine oats, the 1/2 cup flour, the brown sugar, baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the 6 tablespoons melted butter. Pat into prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, egg yolk, and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Spoon in small dollops over partially baked layer. Sprinkle with chopped candy bars.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, the 1/4 cup melted butter, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Beat in egg. In a small bowl, stir together the 2/3 cup flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to chocolate mixture, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition just until combined. Carefully spoon over cheesecake layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched.

Cool in pan on a wire rack. Spread with chocolate fudge frosting. Cut into bars and enjoy.