These Chocolate Brownies are Nuts!  | 
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                                            Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 40 Minutes Servings: 16  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    Great when you need a chocolate fix, these brownies are laced with the taste of peanut butter and the crunch of walnuts. Only use a wooden spoon to mix the batter so the brownies are more dense, like a brownie should be! This recipe was a contest entry for RSC #15. Enjoy! ***PLEASE NOTE*** Due to feedback, I changed the cooking time to 25-30 minutes instead of 35-45. I think my oven is a little cooler than what it should be. I usually have to cook things a few minutes longer then listed. Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                1/4 cup butter, room temperature  |  
                                                1/2 cup peanut butter, room temperature  |  
                                                1 cup light brown sugar  |  
                                                2 eggs, room temperature  |  
                                                1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder  |  
                                                1/2 cup flour  |  
                                                1/4 teaspoon salt  |  
                                                1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips  |  
                                                3/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped  |  
                                                4 ounces cream cheese (melted on a very low setting in microwave or in a double boiler)  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. Preheat oven to 350°F Spray a 9” x 9” pan really well with cooking spray. 2. Add butter and peanut butter to a medium bowl. With a wooden spoon, cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well until batter is consistent. 3. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. To the dry mixture, add the butter mixture, chocolate chips and walnuts and stir until just combined. 4. With a rubber spatula, scoop batter in the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drizzle cream cheese over top and give a quick swirl with a skewer or sharp knife. Do not over-stir – it looks very nice this way. 5. Bake 25-30 minutes or until brownies are just pulling away from the sides of the pan. Cool brownies on a wire rack about 10 minutes. These brownies are best if refrigerated and served cold. 6. Cut into 16 squares and serve!                              | 
                         
                         
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