Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Loneliest Cookie | Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bar


Who leaves just one cookie on the plate? What difference is that little bitty piece of sweetness going to make to your waistline when you've already had more than your share? Who leaves just one cookie!?!

Mr. Rosemary does.

An incurable late night snacker with a sweet tooth, he is. He's mindful of what he eats all the rest of the day, but late at night, catching up on whatever golf, tennis, football or hockey event he'd DVR'd, he'll go on the prowl for something sweet. Sometimes it's something salty he goes after. Sometimes it's sweet before the salt.

Sweet or salty, listen to my story:

I had made these chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars for my brother-in-law's birthday party. My SIL was making a cake, but to make sure there were plenty of sweets all around, I volunteered to bring something extra: these cookies.

I didn't leave myself enough time to photograph any before we left the house, so I sneakily held a few back, and put them in the fridge.

The next day, when I went to get the cookies out for their photograph, I found one lonely cookie, left in the container and put back in the fridge, snugly lidded and all.

He wasn't in the house when I found them. Had he been, he swould have heard me scream -- just a little.

Yikes, how can I take a picture and post it? One little bitty cookie. And I have nothing else ready to post!  And it's been over a week since I put up anything new!

Guess I'll just have to tell the truth.

And the truth is he was saving the last piece for me.


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Makes 24 Bars
For the Crust:
2½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake:
16 ounces cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
6 ounces milk or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1½ teaspoons vegetable shortening 

1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and toss together with a fork until the crumbs are all evenly moistened. Press the crumbs into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter and flour on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Slowly pour in the milk and then the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set around the edges and still appears slightly soft Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
when the pan is wiggled. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
3. Make the Chocolate Glaze: Combine the chopped chocolate and vegetable shortening in a small bowl and microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

13 comments:

  1. Wow those must have been heavenly.. after looking at the last piece I am afraid I wouldn't have even left you that one! nice recipe my kids will love ....

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    1. This is definitely a repeat . . for the next visit from my kids. Who doesn't love chocolate and peanut butter?

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  2. Well I can tell you Bless Mr Rosemary cause I wouldn't have left that gorgeous cookie on the plate! Way to yummy:)
    Mary x

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  3. Oh, such a great story! Sweet guy, he saved a piece for you! :) Wish those husbands could be mind-readers and know what they CAN have and what they can NOT have in the fridge. :) It still looks delicious! :)

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  4. Awwww at least they were more than well enjoyed :D
    And I can see why!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  5. They look delicious! I can see why he had a go at them. The only thing I question is whether he saved that last cookie for you or because he was afraid of you :-). I really like this recipe. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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    1. Me on the warpath is not a pretty sight, you're right. I'm glad he liked them and I got to tell a good story on him.

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  6. Awwwww....what a delicious cookie and a sweet story! This bar looks awesome! Chocolate, peanut butter and cheesecake....it doesn't get much better than that! I can tell you...if you gave me a whole plate of these...there wouldn't be one left!!! : )

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    Replies
    1. You're absolutely right, Anne -- those three together, one deadly delicious trio!

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  7. Ha! That's Dad for you :) Glad he saved you the last one!

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