brownies

creme de menthe brownies

ingredients

• 1  11-ounce package  dark chocolate pieces
• 1/2  cup  butter
• 3  ounces  unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1  cup  sugar
• 2    eggs
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla
• 2/3  cup  all-purpose flour
• 1/4  teaspoon  baking soda
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
•     Creme de Menthe Filling
•     Dark Chocolate Ganache

directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt and stir 4 ounces (3/4 cup) of the dark chocolate pieces, butter, and the unsweetened chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat; cool.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.

3. Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon just until combined. Stir in vanilla.

4. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in the remaining 7 ounces (1-1/2 cups) dark chocolate pieces. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Spread Creme de Menthe Filling over cooled brownies. Place uncut brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache.

6. Spread slightly cooled Dark Chocolate Ganache over Creme de Menthe Filling, spreading to the edges with a spatula. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars. Makes 48 brownies.

To Store: Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Creme de Menthe Filling: In a large bowl, combine one 3-ounce package softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. Beat in 2 tablespoons creme de menthe (or 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and several drops of green food coloring). Gradually beat in another 2 cups powdered sugar. Beat in 1 tablespoon of additional milk, if needed, to make the filling slightly thicker than a frosting.

Dark Chocolate Ganache: In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup whipping cream just to boiling over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add one 11-ounce package dark chocolate pieces (do not stir). Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool for 15 minutes.

Image and Article Credit: bhg.com