This is a recipe I have been making for years. It is excellent for a picnic or summer potluck. According to my 4yr old it is “a thousand times good”. This batch was eaten so quickly I did not have time to snap a photo!

Use Peppermint oil if you can get it as it will give a cleaner more intense mint flavor.

Mint Brownies (adapted from Bon Appetit August 1997)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2 oz unsweetened chocolate

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/8 tsp  peppermint oil or 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

pinch of salt

For toppings:

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 Tbs soft butter

1 Tbs whole milk or cream

a few drops peppermint oil or 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

4 oz semi sweet chocolate

2 Tbs soft butter

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly butter an 8x8 pan.

Stir chocolate and butter over low heat until smooth. With a mixer beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl for about 5 minutes. Add chocolate, peppermint, flour and vanilla extract. Stir until just blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for about 25 minutes.

Beat powdered sugar, 2 Tbs butter, milk or cream and peppermint until creamy. Spread over warm brownies and chill until set (about 1 hour).

Melt chocolate and 2 Tbs butter (stove-top or microwave is fine). Pour over mint topping and spread evenly. Cover and chill until set (about 1 hr).

Cut into small squares.