Holiday Inn Brownie Caramel Cheesecake

Holiday Inn Brownie Caramel Cheesecake

1 package (9 ounce) brownie mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon cold water
1 package (14 ounce) individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 can (5 ounce) evaporated milk
2 packages (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate fudge topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

In a small bowl, mix together brownie mix, 1 egg and water. Spread into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir often and heat until mixture has a smooth consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup of this caramel mixture, and pour the remainder over the warm, baked brownie crust.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour cream cheese mixture over caramel mixture.

Bake cheesecake for 40 minutes. Chill in pan. When cake is thoroughly chilled, loosen by running a knife around the edge, and then remove the rim of the pan. Heat reserved caramel mixture, and spoon over cheesecake. Drizzle with the chocolate topping.

By Chef Jeff DeJong / Holiday Inn

This recipe for Holiday Inn Brownie Caramel Cheesecake serves/makes 12

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Chocolate-Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Chocolate-Cream Cheese Cupcakes
SERVINGS: 18 cupcakes

1/2 of an 8-ounce package fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup frozen egg product, thawed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup cooking oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup plain low-fat granola

Line 18 muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside.

Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer in a small bowl on medium speed till smooth. Add egg product and the 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute or till smooth. Stir in semisweet chocolate pieces; set aside.

Combine flour, the 1 cup granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each half full. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture over each.. Sprinkle with granola.

Bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes or till tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cupcakes in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan; cool thoroughly on wire rack.

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Olive Garden Five-Cheese Lasagna

Olive Garden Five-Cheese Lasagna

Cream Sauce
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Melt butter with medium heat in heavy, 1-quart saucepan. Add flour
and stir until well-blended; cook until frothy.

Add milk, stirring constantly with wire whisk as mixture comes to a
simmer. Cook and stir until thickened (3-4 minutes). Chill while
mixing other ingredients.

Cheese Filling:
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed), minced
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
3 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
3 eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Drain and mince tomatoes and garlic. Place other cheese filling
ingredients in 3-quart mixing bowl with tomatoes and garlic. Add 1
1/2 cups cooled cream sauce and mix until well blended. Refrigerate,
reserving 1/2 cup for later use.

Other:
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup spinach lasagna noodles or regular if unavailable
Marinara sauce, as desired
Extra Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.

Cool under cold water and drain. Place 3 lasagna noodles in a 9x13x2
lightly oiled baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Spread 1 1/2 cups cheese filling over noodles; sprinkle with one cup
mozzarella and 1/4-cup fontina cheese.

Repeat pasta and cheese layering three more times; top with remaining
three lasagna noodles. Spread 1/2 cup of reserved cream sauce over
top and cover lightly with foil.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 1 hour. Remove from oven
and keep warm at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve topped with hot marinara and Parmesan cheese. (Can be
refrigerated a day before baking if desired.)