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There are a few things in life that I procrastinate on. One thing I tend to procrastinate on is spending money on something that I really don’t want to spend money on and feel that the money could be spent on something else aka things I actually want. What I’m talking about is, I have been procrastinating buying a new pair of work shoes for a really long time. I think I needed a new pair over a year ago but I seriously cannot justify spending $50 on a pair of work shoes. Call me cheap or selfish, but I’d rather put $50 into a pair of shoes I can wear on any other day but work days. I have a different outlook on work attire than others. People I know love dressing up for work. They say it’s the only time they can dress up and show off cute new outfits. Um, hello. Not true. You can make time & go on cute dates with your husband and dress up. Anyway.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, I hate dressing up for work. Maybe that’s my nerdy IT developer mindset because I know some people see clients on a day to day basis so that’s why they probably need to dress up, but me? I come to work, sit in front of a computer all day, attend maybe one or two meetings a week, and that’s it. I just don’t have this urge to dress up so that’s why I hate buying stuff for work. When I deem something that’s “for work,” I do not wear any of it outside of work because it just gives me a weird vibe. I don’t want to feel like I’m at work outside of work, you know? Or you don’t? I’m just weird, huh?
SOOO YEAH. Long story short (or not really): I need a new pair of work shoes and I refuse to spend over $50 for them and I have been procrastinating like a kid who doesn’t want to clean up their playroom. It’s gotten to the point where the shoes I’m wearing are destroyed (like the heel is dunzo) so I’m forced to look for a new pair of work shoes.
Any ideas where I can go to look for cute work flats? DSW? Target? I haven’t had much luck with both those in a while…thoughts??
I love pumpkin, I love cheesecake, and I love brownies. The trifecta that are in these pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies is pretty dang awesome. The brownies are SUPER moist on the inside (as you can see from that picture above) and the pumpkin cheesecake on top is just fantastic. I loved smelling this while it was baking in the oven. I think this would be the perfect dessert to bring to a friendsgiving party or to have on your Thanksgiving menu. :)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- ⅓ cup (29 g) Dutch-processed cocoa
- 1 ½ teaspoon instant espresso, optional
- ½ cup (118 ml) plus 2 tbsp. boiling water
- 2 ounces (57 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoon (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (118 ml) plus 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (400 g) sugar
- 1 ¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces (170 g) bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
For the pumpkin cheesecake topping:
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (82 g) pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Adjust oven racks to middle position and preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line a 9×9" baking pan with parchment paper and leave a one-inch over-hang on either side. Spray with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
- Whisk cocoa, espresso, and boiling water in a large bowl until smooth. Add unsweetened chocolate and whisk until melted. Whisk in butter and vegetable oil. The mixture might look a little funky, but it’s ok. Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract and continue to whisk until mixture is smooth and everything is combined.
- Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated then whisk in flour and salt. Fold in the bittersweet chocolate pieces.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and set aside while you make the pumpkin cheesecake topping.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until mixture is smooth and incorporated.
- Taking a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of pumpkin cream cheese batter onto the top of the brownie batter in no particular pattern. Take a toothpick or knife and drag it throughout the batter, swirling the pumpkin and brownie batters together.
- Bake the brownies for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still jiggly. You don’t want to over-bake these otherwise they’ll be cakey!
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 20 minutes then lift the brownies out of the pan with the parchment paper, and place onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prior to cutting, place brownies into refrigerator for 30 minutes then use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Clean off the knife every now and then if it gets too gummy.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
I’m with you on work clothes, it sucks. But your brownies sure don’t – these look great!
For my “corporate attire shoes” i usually hit up the sales at Kohls. If you get a good sale then it’s well worth it. I get my flats there and spend anywhere from 19-40 for them and they last for a good 3 months of constant wear for 8-15 hours a day sitting/standing.
Thanks for the tip! I love Kohl’s!!
DSW for life!! And I too hate buy work clothes. Such a wast of money! Pass me these brownies!!!
I used to hate having to buy work clothes and shoes. I always went to the clearance route :)
Love the brownies, they look so fudgy!
DSW yes. And these brownies. Yes. :)
Wow, these brownies look amazing! Just might have to make them this weekend : )
Ok, I hate getting dressed up to. The *best* place for cheap flats is Old Navy. You can order them online too. So many cute colors to choose from. You must try. And always search for coupon codes, I can almost always find a 20% off one.
Will have to go run to Old Navy next to my house to check those flats out!! Thanks!
I am looking forward to making these brownies this weekend!
As far a practical, comfortable, cute work shoes…you have to get some Aerosoles. They make the best “work” shoes. I have gotten two pair of them at TJMaxx but you can get them other places and on-line as well. My favorite are a pair of red patent leather driving shoes .
Thanks for the Aerosoles tip! I’ve had a pair of them before and you’re right – they’re super comfy!
Oh my g. These look sooooo good.
For work shoes, you cannot go wrong at DSW, or Marshall’s if there’s one nearby. Both have a great selection and really, really good prices. DSW has all the rewards points you can earn too!
Ah Marshall’s! I always forget about them! Thank you!
Oh, have got to try these!! YUM!!
These would sure hit the spot right about now with my coffee! Must make these!