Red Velvet Swirl Brownies

Along with so many other things we take for granted, chocolate in its various forms may soon be on the endangered ingredient list.

Although this looming shortage has been predicted for some time, I suppose we are a lot closer now than ever before.

After reading an article on this not so sweet news I already began missing my favourite chocolate desserts.  The next thing that came to mind was the several cookbooks I own totally devoted to chocolate.  Would they become obsolete, a part of human history leaving future generations to wonder what chocolate was all about?

Frightening thought!

I don't believe that chocolate production will cease any time soon but perhaps decline to be only affordable for the more wealthy of the human race. I think we will be coming full circle on this one as history tells us that at one point cocoa beans were actually used as currency and chocolate could only be afforded by royalty. 

Bringing myself back to reality I went straight for one of the more decadent chocolate recipes in my collection.  I think this one came to mind since it has a deep chocolate taste intensified by the swirls of a cheese cake like layer that keeps it moist and light.  The element of red velvet takes this recipe beyond the definition of brownie into the classification of a delicious, decadent, chocolaty dessert.

I do hope that all the issues surrounding this plight of a dwindling chocolate supply gets sorted out very soon since it’s really hard to imagine my world without chocolate!

Red Velvet Swirl Brownies

Brownie Layer
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon red food colour
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 eggs
¾ cup all-purpose flour
 
Cream Cheese Layer
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
¼ teaspoon vanilla

1. Butter an 8x8 inch square baking pan, set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium high heat and place into a bowl.
3. Add in order mixing in after each addition sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food colour and vinegar.
4. Wisk eggs in a separate bowl, stir into cocoa mixture.
5. Lightly fold in the flour until well mixed.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan saving ¼ cup for the top.
7. Blend together cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl.
8. Gently spread cream cheese mixture over brownie layer.
9. Dollop remaining brownie batter over cream cheese layer.
10. Using a skewer or tip of a knife, swirl the two mixtures to create a marbling effect.
11. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
12. Cool completely in pan before cutting.

 
 





Notes, Tips and Suggestions

• After greasing pan, line with a piece of parchment for easier removal.
• Add ¼ cup chopped, toasted walnuts or chocolate chips to brownie mixture for a variation.
• In the preparation picture third from the top the cream cheese mixture seems to have two eggs instead of the single egg called for in the recipe...by coincidence a double yolk egg.
• Don't take anything for granted, enjoy your chocolate while it's still here to be enjoyed!