Brownie Cherry Cheesecake

This dessert has become a family tradition for all of us.  We have it every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas and usually at least once during the year too.  You can't beat the decadence of a chewy brownie combined with a cheesecake type of filling.

Brownie:
1/2 C. Butter, melted
1 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 Eggs
1/2 C. Flour
1/3 C. Cocoa
1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt

*Cherry Pie Filling (for the topping)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease the bottom of your pie plate very well with shortening and then flour it and dump off excess.  In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs.  Add all dry ingredients and mix until they are completely blended in.  Spread into pan and bake 25-30 minutes.  (The brownie will still be fudgy.)  While brownie layer is cooling mix ingredients for filling.  Wait until the brownie is completely cool before spreading it on top.  Spoon an entire can of cherry pie filling over the top, cover and refrigerate until serving.

Cheesecake Filling:
1 8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese, softened
1 C. Powdered Sugar
1 C. Whipped Topping

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy.  (If you need to soften your cream cheese a little, put it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.)  Fold in whipped topping.