Minty

by Allison Pang

This is going up a little later than I originally anticipated. Been waiting on a family recipe that hasn't come through yet, so I'm going to have to wing it a little. And by wing it, I mean blatantly find what I'm looking for online and post it here.

But anyway, one of my favorite Christmas treats growing up was Andies Candies. Which I realize is a pretty common after-dinner mint - but we only ever seemed to have them around this time of year. (And for some reason, candy always seemed to taste better in the "special" holiday wrappers.

And there's plenty of things you can make with them, though to be honest, I always just like them in their little simplistic form.

However. Every year, my aunt makes these mint fudge brownie square cookie things...that are basically like eating a giant version of the candy. She gave a us a pan last year and it probably only lasted like 6 hours because I *really* like them.

*ahem*

Lifting this version from the Joy of Baking, in the meantime...

Chocolate Mint Brownies: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Have ready a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) square baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil across the bottom and up two opposite sides of the pan. Set aside.

Brownies: In a stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (with a wooden spoon) after each addition. Stir in the flour and salt and beat, with a wooden spoon, until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the sides of the pan (about one minute). Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the edges of the brownies are just beginning to brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies will come out almost clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to completely cool.

Mint Layer: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat all the ingredients until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring if you want the frosting green. If the frosting is too thick, add a little extra cream. (The frosting should be just thin enough to spread.) Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes or until firm.

Chocolate Glaze: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over the mint filling and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate glaze starts to dull.
To Serve: Remove the brownies from the pan by lifting with the ends of the foil and transfer to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 30 squares. It is a good idea to wipe your knife between cuts with a damp cloth. These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or else frozen.
Makes about 30 1-inch (2.5 cm) squares.

Brownie Layer: 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
 4 ounces (114 grams) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated white sugar
 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 2 large eggs
 1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour
 1/4 teaspoon salt

 Mint Layer: 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
 1 cup (115 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted
 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract or 1-2 tablespoons creme de menthe green food coloring (optional) 

Chocolate Glaze: 3 ounces (90 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped
 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

And for an alternate version with actual Andies Candies, try this one I found on Glorious Treats.