Banana Split Brownie Pizza

There are few things I love in life more than chocolate. If that chocolate comes in the form a brownie, all the better. If you are like me, you also like to have your brownies served a la mode. While this is a tasty way to serve brownies, it is also expected.

In the summertime, I like to make brownies pizzas. They are not only beautiful, but the fruit and cream cheese add a tartness that complements the chocolate of the brownie.

If you don't have a cooking stone, you can make these in a shallow cookie sheet. It is easier if you can flip the brownie over and decorate the bottom side that has a smooth surface. With care you can also make it work in a pan.

Ingredients

• 1 Package brownie mix (21 ounces)
• 2 Packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
• 2/3 Cup sugar
• 1 Can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained well
• 2-3 Bananas sliced with a crinkle cutter
• 1 pint strawberries, sliced with a crinkle cutter
• 1/2 Cup chopped walnuts
• 1 Ounce semi-sweet chocolate, grated
• 1 Tablespoon Butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Prepare brownie mix according to directions.
3. Place parchment paper on 15" baking stone.
4. Pour brownie mix on paper and spread evenly into a 14" circle.
5. Do not bake without parchment paper, as the paper will keep the brownie mixture on the stone. Bake 15-20 minutes or until set.
6. Cool to room temperature.
7. Mix cream cheese and sugar in food processor until smooth.
8. Turn brownie upside down on stone.
9. Spread cream cheese mixture over the crust side of the brownie.
10. Top with fruit and nuts.
11. In a saucepan, melt chocolate and butter together, stir until smooth.
12. Drizzle over pizza, chill.
13. Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter.

Yield: 12-16 slices.

When kiwi is in season I like to add them to the mix of fruit I use on top. They make a wonder addition in flavor and color. If possible, use a crinkle cutter when cutting your fruit, this allows the chocolate syrup something to grip to and gives a more professional presentation.

If you are taking this to a potluck dinner, wait until just before serving to prevent the bananas from turning brown. You can also coat them in lemon juice to prevent them from browning if you must complete the pizza before you arrive.