Chocolate Mint Brownies

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Yield: 24 brownies
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time:5 hours and 30 minutes

Chocolate and mint can make a powerful and tasty combination when done right. One such example are Chocolate Mint Brownies, sure to please anyone.

Ingredients for the Brownie Base:

• 1 box brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
• Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
• 4 drops green food color

Ingredients for the Topping:

• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter (do not use margarine)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°.
2. Grease only bottom of 13 by 9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray.
3. Make bake brownie mix as directed on box for 13 by 9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs.
4. Cool completely, about 1 hour. In large bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
5. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until set.
6. Meanwhile, in 2-quart nonstick saucepan, heat topping ingredients over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
7. Cool about 10 minutes or until lukewarm. Pour topping over filling; spread to cover.
8. Refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours or until set. Before cutting into bars, let stand 10 minutes at room temperature.
9. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. For easier cutting, cut brownies with a wet knife. Store covered in refrigerator.