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02/19/2011 National Chocolate Mint Day Chocolate Mint Brownies

Source of Recipe

Family Fun


Recipe Introduction

Between the smell, taste, and richness of flavors, there is no reason not to love chocolate mint! This delectable type of chocolate is created by adding mint flavoring (like peppermint, spearmint, or creme de menthe) to chocolate. The chocolate can be milk, dark, or white chocolate, so each variation of chocolate mint is unique. Chocolate mint flavored food became immensely popular following its creation in the early 20th century. Today, the divine scent of chocolate mint has even entered the beauty product market with products like shower gel, chapstick, and soap. Did you know that chocolate mint is also a type of herb? All of the leaves are edible and it even tastes like chocolate mint! To celebrate Chocolate Mint Day, snack on a piece of your favorite chocolate mint bar, scoop some mint chocolate chip ice cream into a dish, or stick a candy cane in a delicious cup of hot cocoa to enjoy!

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 02/19/2011 National Chocolate Mint Day Chocolate Mint Brownies


Chocolate Mint Brownies


BROWNIES
1/2 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
MINT FROSTING
1/4 cup softened butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring
ChOCOLATE TOPPING
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips



Recipe


Heat the oven to 350º and grease a 9-inch square baking pan. For the brownies, place the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and microwave for 1 minute more. Stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs. Stir in the chocolate and the vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour and salt until thoroughly combined. Pour into the prepared pan, then bake for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool for at least 1 hour.

To make the mint frosting, cream the butter and confectioners' sugar. Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until it is smooth and spreadable. Beat in the peppermint extract and tint to the desired shade with green food coloring. Frost the cooled brownies, cover, and chill for 1 hour.

To make the chocolate topping, pour the chips into a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until the chocolate melts. Stir until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the brownies and smooth it with a knife. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until the coating hardens.

Bring the brownies to room temperature, then cut into 16 to 32 pieces. Layer them on a piece of cellophane (place waxed paper between the layers to prevent sticking), wrap up the brownie package, and tie with a red ribbon. Makes 16 to 32 brownies.