Holiday Brownies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2
   Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan; set aside.
3. 3
   Cream Cheese Filling:.
4. 4
   In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer set on medium, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
5. 5
   Add sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and egg and beat until smooth.
6. 6
   Stir in maraschino cherries; set aside.
7. 7
   Brownie:.
8. 8
   In a microwave safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate. Heat on medium-high setting until melted, stir until smooth; set aside to cool for 3 minutes.
9. 9
   In a large bowl, beat chocolate mixture, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs with an electric mixer until smooth.
10. 10
    Gradually beat in flour and salt, scraping bowl continue to beat for 1 minute.
11. 11
    Stir in chopped walnuts.
12. 12
    Spread half of the batter into prepared pan.
13. 13
    Spread cherry-cheese filling over batter.
14. 14
    Carefully spread remaining batter over filling. Gently swirl with knife to create a marbled effect.
15. 15
    Bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in middle of brownie pan.
16. 16
    Cool completely before cutting into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.