St. Patty's Day Mint Brownies

St. Patty's Day hasn't been much of a holiday in my house. Aside from the token wearing of green to avoid being pinched by my all-to-eager leprachauns, I'm never met with much enthusiasm when I offer to make corned beef and cabbage to celebrate. Nope, no takers on that one.

Because it is my nature to do SOMETHING holiday-ish on every holiday, I swiped a fun tradition from a heaven-sent neighbor in Colorado. Who can refuse chocolatey mint-infused brownies. Green food-coloring gives it the St. Patty's Day punch in a holiday hue.

For those of you who don't want to spend a lot of time, use your favorite boxed brownie recipe. If, you want the authentic version, begin with:

Brownies

1 cup melted butter

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 whole eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine remaining dry ingredients and gradually add to butter mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not over beat. Spray a 9 x 13 inch cake pan with baking release spray. Spread brownie mixture into pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from edge of pan. Cool completely. 

Icing

2 ½ cups powdered sugar

½ cup butter

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon water

1 teaspoon mint extract

Green food color

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 tablespoons butter

Prepare mint cream center by combining powdered sugar, ½ cup butter, water, mint extract and food color.  Beat until smooth.  Divide and spread evenly on brownies.  Cover; refrigerate until cold. 

          Prepare chocolate glaze by placing remaining 6 tablespoons butter and chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave for 1 minute or until mixture is smooth when stirred.  Cool slightly; pour over chilled brownies.  Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.  These are very rich brownies so cut pan into 32 to 40 pieces.

You can't see the green food coloring very well, but it's pretty!

 

Happy St. Patty's Day!