Mint Brownies

This is one of my favorite desserts to make and it's super easy, so I thought I'd share in case anyone wanted to have some.

First, I start by making the brownies. I just use the fudge brownie box mix from betty crocker, because it's easy and I like it, but I know some people like to make them from scratch. So, just make your favorite brownies and let them cool.

Second, make peppermint frosting. Here's the recipe I like:

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup crisco

1 Tbls. milk

peppermint extract to taste (2 tsp? about)

4 cups powdered sugar

1 Tbls. meringue powder (optional)

Mix together the butter and crisco well, then add milk and flavorings. I then add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing well between each, and also add a little of the meringue powder each time. When all the powdered sugar is mixed in, beat it on high for a while until it's a nice fluffy consistency. Then I add green food coloring. I usually add a bit more milk than if I was frosting a cake so that it will go on the brownies more easily. Also, I find that if I think the peppermint flavoring is too strong then it is probably about right since the chocolate in the brownies makes it less noticeable.

After I spread the frosting on the brownies, I melt some chocolate to spread on top. I fill up my glass measuring cup to the 1 cup line with semi-sweet chocolate chips, add maybe a 1/2 Tbls. of crisco and melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir, then 15 and stir, etc . . . until it's nice and smooth. Then I drizzle it on and spread it out with a knife and put it in the fridge. I usually take it out and serve it right out of the fridge. Yummy!