Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!  I doubt there are many Dads who read my blog, but you just never know, right? Gotta keep all my bases covered...  My Dad has been gone almost 20 years now, but I still miss him daily.  Do we ever get over the loss of our parents? I'd sure love to be able to give him a big ole hug today...
My hubby is out puttering at odd jobs (like always).. He's not one to rest and relax, always has to be busy at something. I have a nice Pork Tenderloin marinating, to be barbequed for supper. I haven't been baking much lately, as I'm trying to take off a few pounds. (I think hubby is feeling deprived, poor thing). I've cut way back on sweets, bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, and eating more salads, fruit, veggies, yoghurt, etc. But I did have to make a special treat for dessert for Father's Day so thought you might like the recipe too. Hubby loves Brownies and these are a new to me recipe, from a Guild friend. They are quick and easy to do, and don't need any frosting, although I did a simple alternative (as frosting is always "expected" in this house!!) I know my Dad would have loved these too..

Cheesecake Brownies

1  8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup w. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Beat these 4 ingds. together until
smooth, set aside.

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup w. sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Melt butter or margarine, add sugar, cocoa, eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Sift dry ingds. together, add and mix well.  Grease a 9" square pan well. Spread half of chocolate batter in pan, pour cream cheese mixture over, top with remaining chocolate batter.**  Bake at 350F for about 40 minutes, being careful not to overcook. (Test with a toothpick)
**Note: the chocolate batter is quite thick and the cream cheese mixture is more runny. It is difficult to "spread" the thick batter on top of the runny mixture- just do the best you can to spread it out. It will sort of resemble marble cake.
These brownies are sooo good. They do not require frosting. However, in my house (yes we are all admitted Chocoholics!) frosting is "expected". So I just threw on some chocolate chips when the pan came out of the oven. That was my addition- it's not mentioned in the recipe above.
Enjoy!

Peace,
Linda

"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever."  ~Author Unknown