Dark Mocha Brownies

Dark Mocha Brownies

1 box dark chocolate brownie mix (check the back of the box for additional ingredients)
1 bag dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup)
1 (8-oz.) pk. cream cheese
1 stick butter (plus 1 T.)
1 box powder sugar
2 T. coffee or espresso (room temperature)

Mix brownies according to package directions and stir in the chocolate chips (making sure to set 1/2 cup aside).  Cook according to package directions and cool completely.  Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature.  Mix cream cheese, butter, and powder sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.  Add coffee and mix well.  Spread over brownies.  Melt the reserved 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 T. butter in the microwave.  Stir well and drizzle over the cream cheese frosting.  Enjoy!

Hint:  My husband and I enjoyed these better chilled.  So I recommend to refrigerate them before serving.  Also... if you love raspberries as much as we do, scoop 1/2 c. raspberry jam into a bowl and stir well with a spoon.  Using the spoon, drizzle the raspberry jam over the cream cheese frosting as well.  YUMMY!!!

Ranch Cheese Ball

Since football season is in full swing, I thought I'd post a couple of finger food recipes that are great to serve if you're having friends over to watch a game. 

Ranch Cheese Ball

1 (16-oz.) cream cheese
1 c. grated Cheddar, Co-Jack, or Colby Cheese
1 envelope dry Ranch dressing mix
real bacon bits

Mix softened cream cheese, dressing mix, and cheese together and form into a ball.  Roll in bacon bits.  Chill and serve with Ritz crackers.