A Crazy Kid... And a Good Recipe.

Jaiden seriously cracks us up... all day, everyday. The older he gets the more he learns how to push our buttons... especially my(Mom) buttons. He knows that if I can tell that he is getting slightly out of control he will get "nums" sooner or later. Yes, I gave in once again and he got sweets... and silly me for giving him a messy treat. He loves anything with chocolate. Who doesn't? This is the beginning...

...and this is the end. This picture doesn't look that bad, but it was. He had popcorn and cocoa everwhere. And, of course, it was in his hair by the time we got home. I love those goofy teeth!

Another one of his shenanigans. He's always trying to hide in a cupboard or closet. It's hilarious how he can fit into such small and awkward spaces.

All of this chocolate madness made me want to make something delicious... my second favorite type of brownie. Cheesecake brownies. I love this dessert because it looks great and tastes amazing. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325*. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish/pan with cooking spray. 2. Cream butter and granulated sugar together. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla, beat until smooth. Next, add baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour until well incorporated. 3. Reserve 1 cup of dough, cover, and refrigerate for 25-30 min. Add remaining dough to pan and bake for about 25 minutes(when edges are puffed and base is set). Let cool on wire rack. 4. Mix cream cheese, remaining egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and confectioners' sugar. Spread over cooled base. Crumble reserved dough on top. Bake until filling is set, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, cut, and serve. Squares will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.