4 oz. chocolate flavored baking chips
5 tbsp. butter
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. coarsely chopped nuts (optional)

Melt chocolate and 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly. Cool. Blend remaining butter with cheese until softened. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the sugar, beating well. Blend in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside.

Beat remaining 2 eggs until thick and light in color. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, beating until thickened. Add baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup flour. Blend in cooled chocolate mixture, nuts, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread about half of the chocolate batter in greased 8 or 9 inch square pan. Add cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with tablespoons of remaining chocolate batter. Zig-Zag a spatula through batter to marble. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until top springs back when lightly pressed in center. Cool. Cut into bars or squares.

Makes 16 to 20.