Brownies make sweet and easy treat

When you're in the mood for baking up something sweet, but don't want to put a lot of time or effort into it, brownies are the perfect solution.

Here are two recipes that are different from traditional chocolate brownies -- one is a cross between a brownie and a cheesecake. When topped with fruit, it looks impressive enough for company.

The other uses no chocolate at all and sometimes goes by other names, such as butterscotch or blonde brownies. We tested the Caramel Cuts using whole wheat flour, and it got a thumbs up from the most discerning taste testers -- the kids!

An energy saving tip -- bake up a batch of these brownies when you're preparing an oven meal (such as baked chicken or meatloaf) to take advantage of the oven's heat.

Brownie Cheesecake Dessert

1 package (24 ounces) supreme brownie mix (box includes a packet of chocolate syrup)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (consider reduced-fat cream cheese)
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling OR 2 cups sliced fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar

Combine 1-1/2 cups dry brownie mix with butter. Press into a 9-by-9-inch pan.

In large bowl of electric mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Stir in remaining brownie mix, chocolate syrup from brownie mix and cream. Beat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour over crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until set. Cool.

Spread pie filling or fresh fruit on top. Chill several hours before serving. Serves 9.

Approximate nutrient analysis, per serving: 640 calories, 33 g total fat, 18 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 82 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 59 g sugar, 6 g protein.

Using low fat cream cheese: 610 calories 610, 29 g total fat, 16 g saturated fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 83 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 61 g sugar, 7 g protein.

Caramel Cuts

1 cup butter or margarine
2-1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour (consider whole wheat)
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.

Melt butter in saucepan until bubbling.

In large bowl of electric mixer, combine hot butter and sugar; beat at medium speed until well-mixed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Sift flour with baking powder; stir into butter mixture. Add nuts, if using. Pour into prepared pan and bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan and cut into bars while slightly warm. Makes 2-1/2 dozen bars.

Approximate nutrient analysis per bar (excluding nuts): 160 calories, 7 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 125 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 18 g sugar, 2 g protein.