Chocolate Overload Cookie Bars

Chocolate Overload Cookie Bars
CRUST
1 1/3 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or hard margarine, softened
FILLING
2 packages (8 ounces/250 grams each) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup granulated (white) sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

CRUST: Preheat oven to 350◦F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, and sugar. Cut in the butter until well blended. Spread mixture into bottom of prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. (This can also be done in a food processor using a steel blade).
FILLING: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise (this can be done by hand, but is easier with an electric mixer). Gradually add the sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the melted chocolate, then the vanilla. Pour this over the crust (it does not have to be cooled). Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

This recipe comes from one of my mystery novels that cleverly incorporates food and recipes into all of the murders (the detective owns her own bakery). This may sound strange, but these books are really good, and all of the recipes I have made have turned out amazing. These bars are just like a chocolate cheesecake, they are very rich and soft in texture. I really liked the crust, it was firm enough to easily support the bars, but not hard, and I liked how it was chocolate too. The addition of mayonnaise makes the bars richer and smoother, and you can't taste it, it would be similar to adding sour cream to a cheesecake. I have even heard of adding mayonnaise to cakes and banana bread for moistness. These bars are great served just as is, but a sprinkling of icing sugar, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a few berries would make nice toppings. Nothing too rich or sweet, as it will overpower the bars. As much as I love chocolate, drizzling chocolate sauce over these bars would just be a bit too much.

Fluke, Joanne. "Chocolate Overload Cookie Bars." Recipe. Peach Cobbler Murder, New York: Kensington, 2005. 357-358.