Mint Brownies for Graduation Day

My sweet niece graduated from high school this week. She invited all her aunt, uncles and cousins to a party to help her celebrate. We had a delicious dinner in my brothers beautiful yard. It was the perfect evening for a party. Christina request Mint Brownies for dessert.
 I have a number of delicious brownie recipes--but it is always fun to try something new. I found a recipe in Our Best Bites Cookbook that looked promising and it was a winner. This recipe uses unsweetened chocolate in the base. It came together quickly. Brownies are usually better made the day before you want to serve them. I made them one evening and just had to sample them the next morning for breakfast (quality control). They were not yet frosted but they were amazing. When I added mint frosting and a very simple chocolate glaze they were perfect. This could be my favorite new brownie recipe!

Mint Brownies for Graduation Day
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate--chopped
1 cup butter
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Melt chocolate and butter, stir and cool slightly. With a mixer beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 2 minutes. Slowly add the melted chocolate. Combine flour, baking powder and salt--stir. Gently stir in the flour mixture until just blended.  Line a 9x13 pan with foil or parchment paper and then spray with Pam. Pour mixture into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely. Turn out onto a cutting board. Set aside.

Frosting
2-3 tablespoons cream or milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1/4 cup softened butter
food coloring
Combing ingredients and mix until smooth. Using an offset spatula spread frosting on brownies.
Refrigerate until cool.

Chocolate Glaze
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter
Gently melt chocolate chips and butter, stir. Let the glaze cool for 15-30 minutes.
Spread glaze on chilled frosting layer. Return brownies to refrigerator. When cool cut into squares and serve. If you rinse your knife in hot water and dry between cuts your brownies will look amazing.
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