Almond Macaroon Brownies

Almond Macaroon Brownie Recipe

1 cup whole blanched almonds
3 oz. cream cheese
6 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp. flour
1/2 cup flour
1-2/3 cup flaked coconut
6 oz. semisweet chocolate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Reserve 16 whole almonds; chop the rest.

Beat cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until softened. Beat in 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in 1 egg, 1 tbsp. flour, and coconut. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped almonds; set aside.

Melt 5 oz. chocolate and remaining 4 tbsp. butter over low heat until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. Beat in 2 eggs. Stir in 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Add remaining chopped almonds. Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan.

Spread cheese batter on top. Garnish with whole almonds. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F until cake tester comes out clean.

Melt remaining square of chocolate and drizzle over the brownies. Cool in pan. Cut into squares.