Chocolate and cream cheese anyone?

A few weeks ago I went on a quest to find the best made from scratch brownie that was quick and easy to make to capitalize on the whole instant gratification deal. And boy did I find one that is incredible. We're talking better than Betty Crocker and maybe even better than your favorite Aunt Gertrude's. 

Ingredients: 

1 stick butter

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa (I use Ghirardelli) 

2/3 cup flour

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla

1. Completely melt the stick of butter in the microwave (glass bowl works best)

2. Add the cocoa to the butter and mix thoroughly. 

3. Add the rest of the ingredients and mixed everything together (the batter will appear grainy, but that is just the sugar)

4. Pour into a WELL GREASED and floured pan (I use a 7x9, or 24 cupcake papers for brownie bites)

5. Bake 32-40 minutes at 325 degrees (this recipe isn't too picky heat wise). Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in them comes out clean. 

And what would brownies be without cream cheese frosting. 

Ingredients

1-8 oz package of cream cheese (full fat variety, as low fat/fat free is too soft)

1 stick of butter

Vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

1. Let the cream cheese sit out 3-4 hours so it is nice and squishy. The butter should be some what soft but still firm.

2. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy.

3. Add the vanilla

4. Add the butter and beat well

5. Add the powdered sugar and beat well

(anything topped with this fabulous frosting should be kept refrigerated) 

At least when I make these two fabulous treats, I use all co-op products which means they are organic which of course means, they are health food. 

Enjoy!