Dishing It Up Recipe Hop--Chocolate Desserts: Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

I love chocolate!  I'm sure many of you do, as well.  I am always seeing pictures of delectable looking chocolatey desserts and saying "oooh, I want to try that!".  If you are the same way, then this is the recipe hop for you!

Today, my friends and I are bringing you a list of chocolate dessert recipes.  I hope you enjoy them!

My recipe is actually one I have never made.  My husband makes it for special occasions and it is delectable. Somehow, I'm not sure it would taste quite so good if I had to make it myself. ;)

Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

Ingredients:

1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust, softened as directed on package

1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

1 package of your favorite brownie mix  (it suggests one with fudge swirls)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons water

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional--he usually substitutes chocolate chips on top).

Directions:

--Heat oven to 350*F.  Roll out crust into 9 inch pie pan.

--In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and 1 of the eggs.  Beat until smooth.  Set aside.

--In large bowl, combine brownie mix, oil, 1 tablespoon of water and 2 remaining eggs (this should be similar to the package directions, so do this instead if its a little different).  Beat 50 strokes with a spoon.  *If brownie mix has a fudge packet, reserve it for a topping.*

--Spread half the brownie mixture in the bottom of the crust lined pan.  Spoon cream cheese mixture over brownie layer and carefully smooth.  Cover with remaining brownie mixture.  Spread evening.  Top with pecans if using them.

--Bake at 350* for 40-50 minutes or until  center is puffed and crust is golden brown.  (If may be necessary to wrap edges of crust with foil after 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.

--If using hot fudge packet, microwave in a bowl for 30 seconds.  Stir in remaining tablespoon of water and drizzle on top of pie.

--Cool 3 hours (if you can wait that long...) or until completely cooled.  Store in refrigerator.