Brownie Delight

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 9 tablespoons cocoa or 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 11 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
• 2 cups milk, cold
• 1 (4 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Melt shortening and chocolate or cocoa in microwave and transfer to mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Blend in sugar, eggs and vanilla.

3. 3

   Add flour, salt and baking powder.

4. 4

   Pour into a 9x13 pan, with bottom only greased.

5. 5

   Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Cool completely.

7. 7

   In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar till smooth and light.

8. 8

   Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping.

9. 9

   Spread over brownies.

10. 10

    In another bowl, combine milk and pudding mix.

11. 11

    Whisk till smooth and thickening.

12. 12

    Refrigerate 5 minutes, then spread over cream cheese layer.

13. 13

    Top with remaining whipped topping.

14. 14

    Sprinkle with pecans if desired.

15. 15

    Keep refrigerated.