Cooking Thursday

Today I'm sharing a yummy bar recipe. I'm often asked for this recipe when I bring these bars somewhere. It includes cream cheese and chocolate, so you know it's good!

Chocolate Streusel Bars

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup cold butter

1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese

1 -14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar and cocoa. Cut in butter until crumbly (mixture will be very dry). Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture and press remainder on bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over prepared crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over cheese mixture. Bake 25 minutes or until bubbly. Cool and chill. Cut into small squares and store in refrigerator.

Wordless Wednesday

Tip for Tuesday

I don't know about you, but when I'm baking I never seem to plan enough in advance to soften my butter.  If you have the same problem, here's a solution for you.  I've been using this tip for awhile and it works great!
Put your stick of butter in the microwave and microwave it for 5 seconds, then turn it over one quarter turn, microwave for another 5 seconds, and continue until you've done all 4 sides.  The butter doesn't melt but is nicely softened and ready to be used!