Mint Brownies

Brownies seem to be my weakness.  Well, at least one of my weaknesses.  I usually make plain brownies, but sometimes I like to make "fancy" brownies.  These Mint Brownies are awesome!  The brownies are soft, chewy and rich.  And did I mention they are awesomely delicious?  Well, they are!  So delicious that I had to give most of them away to avoid eating too many (thank goodness for neighbors! :)).

Mmmm.  Chocolate, mint, and then more chocolate.  It doesn't get much better than that.

3 cups flour
3 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup cocoa powder
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla

Melt butter and combine with sugar, cocoa powder and powdered milk and beat well.  Add salt, baking powder and vanilla and mix well.  Add eggs flour and water.  Mix well and pour onto a large, greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Do not over bake.  I've made these several times, but for some reason they decided to overflow this time.  You might want to line the bottom of the oven, or the rack below with aluminum foil.  Just to be safe. :)

Frosting:
3/4 cup butter
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
green food coloring
3 tablespoons milk

Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth.  Spread on cooled brownies and refrigerate until firm.

Topping:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons butter

Melt butter and chocolate chips.  Poor over cool, frosted brownies and spread evenly.
 
Recipe from my old friend Lynda. 

Linked on Weekend Wrap Up Party and Sweet as Sugar Cookies.