Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies and a Giveaway from America's Test Kitchen























UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered! Subscribe to the blog for future giveaways, contests and all-around food goodness.

Hi friends! Want to win a new cookbook from some of my favorite food experts? Keep reading!

So here's what I like best about Cook's Country magazine: it's not fussy food. I don't have to go to specialty stores for the ingredients, I don't have to learn fancy-pants cooking techniques. This is what real people eat.

But it's also really good. So I'm excited that the folks at America's Test Kitchen sent me one of Cook's Country's latest books: Blue Ribbon Desserts. And I'm extra excited that one of you lovely readers will be getting one, too!

If you love classic desserts (and if you don't, let's talk), this is the cookbook for you. Vintage, heirloom, whatever you want to call them -- these recipes stand the test of time.

Think of this as part cookbook, part science lesson. For every recipe, you get a little bit of back story about the development of the recipe. I love learning about what worked and what didn't for a particular food formula. I think it makes me a better cook (and baker) overall.

You also get clear step-by-step instructions. And, perhaps the best feature: the book is spiral bound (inside a hardback outer cover) so it opens perfectly flat. No need to use clothes pins to keep the pages open. Not that I do that.

So I've got two things for you today: a recipe and a chance to win Blue Ribbon Desserts (or one of the two other books from ATK that I posted about on Sunday).

First, the winning. To enter:
  1. If you don't already follow Please Pass the Pie, start.
  2. Leave a comment letting me know how you follow (via RSS, etc.) and which of the three books you'd like to win (Blue Ribbon Desserts, Light & Healthy 2011 or The Best One-Dish Suppers).
  3. Include a way for me to contact you. If I can't reach you through your own blog or blogger profile, you can leave an email address or a Twitter handle.

That's it! Easy. Also, this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Sorry, foreign friends. And entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 23. I'll pick a winner at random the next day.

UPDATE: Our winner was Whitney! Congratulations!

And now for the recipe. This one comes from the Bake Sale Cookies, Brownies and Bars chapter of Blue Ribbon Desserts.

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Brownies

For the filling:
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 t. vanilla extract
For the brownies:
  • 2/3 c. flour
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 8 T unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 c. raspberry jam
  • 1 1/4 c. sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch pan. Blend all of the filling ingredients together in a food processor.

For the brownies, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Microwave the butter and chocolate together in short intervals, stirring frequently, until melted. Whisk in 1/4 c. of the jam and let cool slightly. Add the sugar, eggs and vanilla to the chocolate mixture. Whisk in the flour mixture until no white streaks are left.

Microwave the remaining jam until just warm; stir until smooth. Scrape half of the brownie batter into the pan. Dollop the cheese filling over the batter and spread evenly. Dollop the jam on the cheese mixture and use the tip of a knife to swirl. Spread the remainder of the brownie batter over the top.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few dry crumbs -- about 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool, then cut. Refrigerate.

86 comments:

Anonymous said...

I found a link to your blog through the Test Kitchen's twitter. I also looove all the science America's Test Kitchen includes in all their recipes. So helpful to know the background. I would love their Light and Healthy cookbook!

Jessica said...

Those brownies look amazing! I just started following you today (from America's Test Kitchen on Twitter).

I'd love 'The Best One-Dish Suppers'.

Unknown said...

Hi there - I just found your blog from the ATK tweet. I am intrigued about the Blue Ribbon Desserts Cookbook & would love to win one. And make/eat all the scrumptious desserts inside it! Yummmm. One of my favorite desserts from America's Test Kitchen is a cobbler made with yogurt in the 'cobbles', it is fantastic. Your Raspberry Cheesecake brownies look pretty great too. :)

Nicole said...

I totally started to drool when I saw those brownies. I need to get an IV with that pumping straight into my blood stream. Wait, that would mean I wouldn't get to taste them. Scratch that, just give me a pan of 'em...no fork necessary. I saw the link via twitter but am following you via my blogger account. Desserts are my downfall, so I could use a Light and Healthy cookbook to balance things out! Find me on twitter: @n_cattleskin

sairy said...

I found your blog through the ATK twitter feed and subscribed through google reader. I'd love the best one dish suppers book!

Those brownies look fantastic.

Linda said...

I found a link to your blog through ATK on Twitter and am now following you on MyYahoo main page. I'd love ATK's Light and Healthy Cookbook!

HanaĆ¢ said...

Those brownies look amazing. Thanks so much for posting the recipe.

I follow you via Google Reader. As for which book, let me tell you this. My motto is: eat dessert first so you don't have to save room later. So sign me up for Blue Ribbon Desserts please :o)

Thanks for doing this giveaway!

Brent said...

I'm following your RSS feed via Liferea on Ubuntu.

I'd love to win the The Best One-Dish Suppers cookbooks

brntsims [@] gmail [dot] com

Robert Brewer said...

I'm following you via RSS in Shrook, and I'd like to win the Blue Ribbon Desserts book. Mahalo!

Amy Leeman said...

This is my frist time here and I can't stop reading!! I would love to win the Blue Ribbon Desserts book, but the best prize of the day was finding this blog :D

Michelle said...

These raspberry brownies look delicious! I follow your blog via blogger, and I would love the one dish supper book! Cheers!

Macease said...

Abbie this is so great - and now I can follow you through Google! Thanks for posting. This dessert sounds amazing! WOuld have been an easy winner in our Catevo bake-offs.

Ellen said...

You're turning me into an ATK junkie... ;) I just purchased their Slowcooker Revolution cookbook and we LOVE it. I really am excited about your new posts and the recipes you're sharing. I follow your blog through RSS feeder, though I usually check your blog regularly. I have been looking at the ATK's cookbooks and would love to have the Light and Healthy Cookbook. Love the posts - keep 'em coming. Love you!!

Melissa @IWasBornToCook said...

I follow you via RSS. I'd love to have the Light & Healthy cookbook!

Annie said...

I love brownies, I love raspberry, and I love cheesecake, therefore I would like to eat one of those scrumptious brownies. Could you send me some?

And if I won a cookbook, I would want the Blue Ribbon Desserts book. You sold me on it when you told me it was spiral bound.

And I follow you through my iGoogle.

EmandM said...

I follow you via google reader and I would love to win Blue Ribbon Desserts! Brownies look amazing!

Michaela said...

I follow your blog on my Google Read though an RSS feed.
I love the look of that Blue Ribbon Dessert cookbook.
~Michaela~

Katie said...

This is an old Maine friend who follows your blog through Google. I'd really love the 'Blue Ribbon Desserts' book, should I be so fortunate to be selected!

Courtney said...

You lead, I'll follow (google reader). :)

Looks Yummy, Abbie! I'd love the One-Dish Suppers cookbook, since mike likely wouldn't touch a healthy dinner with a 10 foot pole. *sigh*

Unknown said...

Yum, yum, yum, raspberry, chocolate, and cheesecake, what could be better? You can find me #mspatsimon. I would love to win the one dish suppers cookbook.

Liz said...

Raspberry, cream cheese and chocolate! Yum! I follow you via Google Friend Connect!

lanzaelizabeth77 at gmail dot com

I would love the light and healthy cookbook!

Unknown said...

I. Follow you using rss and google reader. I'd like to be in the drawing for the one dish suppers book. I can be reached at johnerickson@q.com. Thanks!

Pam Coffey said...

Hi! I found your link thru foodgawker.com, and am always interested in learning new recipes and hearing what others think of them, etc. I would be very interested in the Light & Healthy cookbook and can be reached at pamelinac@yahoo.com. Thanks!

yardsailor said...

Spotted you on Twitter, I would like to have the Best One dish Suppers.

We Are Not Martha said...

Wow, these look absolutely decadent! I found your blog through FoodGawker (beautiful photos, BTW) :)

Following you through GoogleReader now!

I think I'd love the Light and Healthy 2011 book!

I'm pretty sure I trust America's Test Kitchen more than anyone else in the world when it comes to food :)

Sues

Sabina said...

NomNomNom I love ANYTHING with raspberries - they are hands down my favorite fruit! Mango is now a close second lol! I found your link thru ATK and have already added you to my feed! Trying to call hubby to see if we have everything on hand for them of if i need to stop at the store. YUM! Best Desserts if i win please !

Anonymous said...

Fellow triangle-area foodie here. Followed link posted by ATK tweet. May have to make those brownies this weekend but without the raspberry jam (not a fan of fruit and chocolate for some reason). Would love the Blue Ribbon Dessert cookbook! Following you on Twitter now (@davidrlee).

Unknown said...

First, I follow you through google connect. I would love to win the best one dish suppers (although any would be great). You can get me on twitter @davedray. Thanks!

Jenna said...

I follow ATK on facebook and just found your blog and am totally drooling - now you're in my Google Reader where you belong! Bring on the Blue Ribbon Desserts, add it to the list of things that will contribute to my early, gastronomically content death.

Veronica Miller said...

I absolutely love ATK and would love to have their Best One Dish Suppers book. Are you on twitter? I'm not a big poster, but I like to follow good posts. I have subscribed here using My Yahoo. My twitter name is @radolini6. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I am working on opening a bakery and all my teaching comes from Americas Test Kitchen & Cooks Country. I grew up in the country and my Mom & Grandma baked everything from bread, pies, rolls, donuts etc. I moved to the city and was never able to learn from them, desperate to learn there secrets, I started using your cookbooks and reading your magazines. Now I am an urban legend, baking for friends, family, kids events. I love the ohhhs and ahhhs from my baked goods. Thanks to you! I would love the Blue Ribbon Desserts cookbook. kristie.golden@gmail.com Thank you.

Juliet said...

Just found your blog through ATK and looks great to me. I now subscribe to your RSS...and if I won I'd love the Blue Ribbon Desserts. Thanks!

Unknown said...

i found a link to your blog via fb/america's test kitchen. i've added you so i can follow via rss feed. these brownies look absolutely amazing!! i'd love the blue ribbon desserts book.

i can be contacted at sobootyful [at] gmail [dot] com

thanks!!!

kristurkow said...

First, these brownies will be made at my house this weekend, YUM!

I'd love the Light and Healthy cookbook. K found your blog through the ATK facebook page. I'm a Cook's Country and Cook's Illustrated subscriber and most of the recipes I use come from one of their publications. You can contact me through my blog, turkowfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Just headed over here via the ATK Facebook feed and immediately subscribed when I saw that your previous recipe was for Thai chicken! I follow via RSS and I have to admit that I worship at the feet of the ATK scientist/cook brigade and would love to have a copy of the Light & Healthy 2011 cookbook! My e-mail addy is havinsomecarrots at gmail. Thanks, and I look forward to trying some of the delicious-looking recipes you've got cooking here...

Unknown said...

I saw your blog today as AMTK put a post about you on their page today. So now I am following you through Google. The brownies look amazing. I LOVE to bake. My dream job would had been a pastry chef...but I settle by just making pastries for my family and friends. I wouldn't mind winning The Blue Ribbon Dessert Cookbook. Would you make me a happy baker? Thank you!

AP said...

These look amazing! I'm following you with Google Reader and would love the Blue Ribbon Desserts book if I win.

Tanya said...

I just found you today through AMK on Facebook, and I'll be adding your blog to my daily links on my Opera browser!

I would love the Light & Healthy 2011. :)

Unknown said...

Hi! I heard about your blog through a post on FB from ATK. I now follow you on Google Reader.

Love to bake - used to have my own small business, Cakebox Cookies, where I specialized in decorated sugar cookie favors. I bake all things dessert though. Pursuing RN degree at the moment and would love to take a break from studying to read a new cookbook. The Blue Ribbon desserts cookbook would be awesome. You can contact me through my email: kelli@cakeboxcookies.com

Erica said...

I found your link to your blog from ATK post on facebook. I am a follower now and I would love the one dish suppers cookbook!

cozmic719 said...

Hi Following you with google reader. I would like the Light & Healthy 2011 cookbook

John said...

I "found" you via the ATK link on my Facebook page. Like you, I'm addicted to ATK and watch it/record it when it is showing on my local PBS station (unfortunately, not every week). I just read your Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie recipe to my wife and just the reading pushed our blood-sugar readings over the top. Therefore, if chosen, we would love the Light and Healthy cookbook as an antidote, although, i suspect I will be making up a batch of your brownies. They look to good to totally avoid.

Whitney said...

Those look delicious. I'm following you on my blogger account and google reader and would love a copy of the Blue Ribbon Desserts Cookbook.

Katherine Nicole said...

I follow via My Yahoo and I would love to have the Blue Ribbons Desserts book!

kgonzales326@yahoo.com

Just Marilyn said...

I found you on FB through ATK's link. I am now following you on my Google Reader.

Anonymous said...

Following via Google Reader, would love the one-dish book.

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm following you through Google. I would love The Best One-Dish Suppers cookbook.

Carolie said...

I follow via Google. I'd love to win ANY of the three books, but probably the Light and Healthy 2011 would be my choice.

Thanks so much for this giveaway! You can reach me at carolie(at)wordmagix(dot)com.

Pattypro said...

Thanks to a Facebook post from ATK, I found your blog, and was happy to subscribe to your RSS via Google.
A baking enthusiast, I'd love to have the Blue Ribbon Desserts book.
Can't wait to poke around your site and see the other goodies you've got waiting for me!

Ranita said...

I saw a post on ATK FB page. I now have you on my google homepage!! where have you been all my life?! I would so love the light and healthy cookbook!

sarae said...

This is the first time I've read your blog through ATK on Facebook, but it won't be the last! And I am going to try those amazing brownies-what more could you want in a dessert...chocolate, rasberries, and cream cheese!

Elizabeth said...

I follow you via Google Homepage.

Would love to get the Blue Ribbon Desserts. Love ATK!!! Thank you!

JP said...

I now follow you through Google Reader thanks to ATK's post about your blog on Facebook :)

I'd love to win the Light & Healthy 2011 cookbook... and I'd love some of those brownies!

Reach me through Blogger or @kitchenextract on twitter.

Mamahollioni said...

Found you through facebook with America's Test Kitchen's feed and now following you...I would love the Light and Healthy Cookbook!

Renee said...

Hi Abbie! I found you via ATK's Facebook and I follow you via RSS. My Twitter handle is renee9605, and I would love either "The Best One-Dish Suppers" or "Blue Ribbon Desserts." I'm flexible! :-)

Unknown said...

Just added your blog to my.yahoo page--looking forward to seeing Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies and whatever else you cook up show up when I open my browser! All three ATK cookbooks sound great, I'd love all of them! But since I'm such a baker I think Blue Ribbon Desserts would be at the top of my list.

inquisitive75
at
yahoo

Catherine B. said...

Love those brownies! I'm going to make them the next chance I get. Really can't decide which book i'd like to win, they all sound great. But since I must choose one I guess it would have to be the Light and Healthy cookbook. (for the sake of my waist) I follow you now (thanks to ATK's link on facebook) on google. You can reach me at Chefmaria83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I am now following you on My Yahoo! page. I would love to win The Best One-Dish Suppers cookbook. Look forward to reading your blog. kmcardin@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I follow you with My Yahoo & Google. I'm trying to get healthier so the "Light & Healthy 2011" is the book for me!

Tracy Williams said...

Hi! I admit, I came here via America's Test Kitchen on Twitter, but I really like your blog! I subscribed via RSS using Google Reader, and following you with Google/Blogger.

I can be reached @trecomics on Twitter!

girlsgonescrappin said...

oops, should have also added that I can be reached at dmgiblin@hotmail.com

Ms. Lollipop said...

Hi! I'm thinking about making some brownies soon too!

I follow via google friend connect! And I'd love to get the Blue Ribbon Desserts book!

Angela said...

Definitely going to have to give this recipe a try (so say my kids!)! Found your blog via America's Test Kitchen post on FB, btw, and following via Google Reader. I'd love a chance for the dessert book, and you can contact me @ www.larksongknits.com or on Salt of the Earth Urban Farm on FB. Thanks!!

Marc T. said...

Hi. Just started following on My Yahoo today. Avid Test Kitchen fan. You can contact me at trachstar @ yahoo [dot] com.

Mainer said...

Please help!!!! I'm having a sweet tooth attack. Need all the brownies I can get, Please help!!!

BrettW. said...

I follow Please Pass the Pie via RSS/igoogle.
ngoron@gmail.com
And I'd like to win the Blue Ribbon Desserts cookbook. Thanks to ATK if I win.

Pam Ellingson said...

Noticed your blog through the ATK Facebook post, and knew I should visit it immediately. Anyone who likes ATK/ Cook's Country/Cook's Illustrated is my kind of person. Just signed up for RSS thru Yahoo, and am looking forward to seeing you every time you post. If I should win the cookbook, I would love to have the One Dish Suppers. YUM.

peek-a-boos mom said...

I found you yesterday @ foodgawker and I love your blog. I can't wait until tomorrow...I'll be making the Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies. Yeah!!! My three favorite tastes in one decadent bite ... hmmm. I'm a dessert girl and would love to win the Blue Ribbon Desserts Cookbook. Have a wonderful weekend.

Jordan said...

I want Blue Ribbon Desserts!

The Wells of Morrisville said...

Wow, Abbie this is fun. . .how did you get into this??? You'll have to tell me about it tomorrow morning! I'd love the Live and Healthy cookbook.

Unknown said...

I love your blog! And I would love to win the Blue Ribbon Desserts cookbook. I am making the brownies today.

Unknown said...

I follow using MyYahoo!! I would love to win the Light & Healthy 2011 cookbook! You can contact me at leeannmorg@gmail.com. Making these brownies tomorrow!!

Jdougolsen said...

I am following using Google. The Blue Ribbon Desserts would be great! I can be reached at jdougolsen@hotmail.com.

Danita said...

Great site. Found it via ATK on Facebook. Great addition to the set of cooking blogs I follow. Would love to try the One Dish Suppers cookbook.

Madeleine said...

So awesome. Chocolate and raspberries and cheesecake. I made CI's cheesecake brownies for New Years and they were amazing!
I follow on Google Reader.
I want them all! But to save on dishes, we'll go with The Best One-Dish Suppers.

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

THOSE BROWNIES LOOK AMAZING!!!! You made me drool!!! I am a FOLLOWER and I want the DESSERT cook book!! LOVE THIS GIVEAWAY!!! LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!

~dab said...

I subscribe via RSS, I would like either the Light & Healthy 2011 or The Best One-Dish Suppers cookbook.

My email is in my profile.

Mark said...

Found you through America's Test Kitchen on Facebook, but fallow you through Google. I would love to have the Light and Healthy Cookbook.

Wahmbush0614 @ hotmail.com

aishahias said...

Yummm!! The brownies look great! :D

Tavia said...

I would enjoy the Best One Dish Suppers! Yeah!

I found you via ATK's Facebook.

Unknown said...

I found you by a post on FB's ATK page. I would love a copy of Blue Ribbon Desserts. I am now following you on my yahoo
you can reach me at
alicecribbs@yahoo.com

Sweet and Savory by Sarah said...

The Best One dish Suppers. I follow by the day! I also have a give away going on at

sweetandsavorybysarah.blogspot.com

Whitney said...

I'm following via Google Reader! Honestly, I'd love any of those cookbooks! But maybe Light and Healthy is the best plan for me right now. :)

Susie said...

i found your blog thru ATK Facebook and I am following you thru MyYahoo! I really enjoy the ATK recipes, all of them! I would love to have the Blue Ribbon Desserts Cookbook. The brownies look fantastic. Can't wait to prepare them. ;0)

Kassie said...

I found your blog through the Kitchn site and plan on making these babies for girls night Bunco on Saturday! I'm following with Google Reader and would love the Light and Healthy cookbook. You know, to balance out the brownie overdose I'm planning.

cookies and cups said...

These brownies look amazing! Came over from the kitchn :) So glad I found your site!