ALMOND MACAROON BROWNIES

Almond Macaroon Brownies image

Provided by Lynette !

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 oz package of cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp butter, softened
1/4 c sugar
1 large egg
1 2/3 c flaked coconut
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 c whole blanched almonds
5 oz semisweet baking chocolate squares
1/4 c butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 oz square semisweet baking chocolate, melted

Steps:

1. Beat the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, berating well. Add 1 egg, beating well. Add the flaked coconut and 1 tablespoon flour, beating well.
2. Chop the almonds, reserving 16 whole almonds for garnish. Stir 1/3 cup chopped almonds into the coconut mixture. Set the coconut mixture and remaining chopped almonds aside.
3. Combine 5 squares (5 ounces) chocolate and 1/4 cup butter in the top of a double boiler; bring the water in the bottom of the double boiler to a boil. Reduce the heat to low; cook until the chocolate and butter melt, stirring occasionally.
4. Place the melted chocolate in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. Add 2 eggs, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer. Combine 1/2 cup flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in the reserved chopped almonds.
5. Spread the chocolate mixture into a greased 8 inch square baking pan. Spread the coconut mixture over the chocolate mixture40. Arrange the whole almonds ontop of the coconut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean. (Do not overbake).
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the warm brownies. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares.