Nutella Cheesecake Bars

There is such a grand love for chocolate. 

Not just me. You too. It could be a warm brownie right out of the oven, with or without a scoop of ice cream over it. It could be just a plain Hershey bar.

Chocolate is in it's own world. And I want to live in it. 

You can live there with me too.

Again, I was summoned to the kitchen by one of our kids (this time, our 4 year old little boy) and the demand was made for "Nutella Brownies".

I had just picked up some cream cheese at the store with the intent to finally learn how to make a cheesecake. Yes. I do not know how to make a cheesecake. Well. I do but the perfectionist in me won't settle for cracks, and no matter how I dearly try to follow any recipe given to me, I just can't seem to make a beauty of one. Practice makes perfect. 

So, Zachary and I set out to make some brownies. I saw a few pictures of these and decided to give them a try. 

Holy. Cow.

This little treat is love at all senses: sight, smell, taste, feel, and I'd even go as far as hear the love coming from these bars. I can hear my soul calling for more if anything. Make these. And fast.

Ingredients:

1 bag oreos
1 + 1/2 stick butter, melted

16oz cream cheese
2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup + 3 tbsp cream

1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Nutella

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325. Line a 9x9 pan with foil, making sure to keep the foil as close to the sides of the pan as possible. Allow overhang for easy lifting later. 

2. Slowly add the cookies to a food processor until they're all in fine crumbs. Slowly drizzle butter in while the machine is still on. Pour the mixture in the pan and press it down lightly to cover evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes or until crust is set. Allow to cool completely.

3. In a clean food processor, Mix together the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, 1/3 cup of whipping cream, and salt, pulsing until smoothed. Pour 2/3 of the cream cheese mixture over cooled cookie crust. Smooth evenly.
4. With the remaining cream cheese mixture in the food processor, add the Nutella, and 3 tbsp of the cream, pulsing until completely smooth.
5. Smooth Nutella mixture over the cheesecake mixture carefully. Bake for 40 minutes or until the middle does not jiggle. There will be movement, but it should not resemble jello when carefully tested.
6. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight. Lift bars from pan, and cut into slices. Store in the fridge. 

Do you get chills looking at this. Who knew food could be so stimulating?