Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar, divided
3 tbsp milk
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup instant hot cocoa mix
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and milk until fluffy. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter, cocoa mix, and the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the flour and nuts. Pour half into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Spread with the cream cheese mixture. Top with the remaining batter. Cut through the batter with a knife to swirl the cream cheese. Bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 2 1/2 dozen bars