Irish Mint Brownies

I had something similar to these once when my bf and I were out to dinner. A place around here that has pretty good food, does this after your meal. They come out with a tiny square about an 1in. big for each person mint chocolate brownies. But when I asked the guy omg these are awesome how did you make them he told me its simple. You make a brownie mix and layer it with Andes mint candies. That's it? No way! They served them like after dinner mints but frankly my thoughts were ok wheres the rest of my dessert? I would gladly have ordered it for dessert if they served it. Such a simple thing and yet Ive never forgotten how yummy they were. They were rich tho and Ive never made them because I don't dare have that around me here.......I KNOW Id eat the whole thing!

A group I belong to sent this recipe this week. Its a variation on that theme with brownies, mint and mousse. I thought Id post it here for you all.

Irish Mint Brownies

1 cup butter, cubed
4 squares (1 ounce each) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (6 ounces) double dark chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Filling
4 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup refrigerated Irish creme nondairy creamer
1 cup heavy whipping cream
15 mint Andes candies, chopped
Icing
12 squares (1 ounce each) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
Additional mint Andes candies, halved, optional

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and bittersweet chocolate; cool slightly. In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate mixture. Gradually add flour until blended. Stir in chips and walnuts. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not over bake). Cool on a wire rack.

2. In a small saucepan, combine white chocolate and creamer. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth; remove from the heat. Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes or until chilled. In a mixing bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form; fold into white chocolate mixture. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Fold in chopped candies. Spread over brownies. Cover and refrigerate.

3. In a small saucepan, combine bittersweet chocolate and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted and smooth; remove from the heat. Stir in butter until melted. Cool to room temperature. Carefully spread over filling. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until icing is set. Cut into bars. Garnish with additional candies if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Totally Decadent Cheesecake Brownies

My bf loves brownies but he also loves cheesecake.........so when I saw this recipe I had to make it. It combines the best of both!

BLACK AND WHITE CHEESECAKE BROWNIES MAKES 16 2 1/4IN. BROWNIES

1 12oz pkg.(2c.) semi sweet chocolate mini bits, divided

1/2c. sugar

1/4c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3c. all purpose flour

.............

1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2c. sugar

2tb. butter, softened

2 eggs

2tb. milk

1tb. all purpose flour

1/2tsp. almond extract

3/4c. semi sweet mini chocolate bits reserved from the above 12oz.pkg.

BROWNIE BASE:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt over hot (not boiling) water, 1 1/4c. semi sweet bits; stir till smooth. Set aside. In large bowl, combine sugar and butter; beat till creamy. Add eggs, vanilla and salt; mix well. Spread into foil lined 9in. square baking pan.

CHEESECAKE TOPPING:

In large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and butter; beat till creamy. Add eggs, milk, flour and almond extract; beat well. Stir in remaining mini 3/4c mini bits. Pour over brownie base. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 min. Cool completely; cut into squares.

The only thing I did different was I didn't add all those mini bits to the cheesecake layer. I felt it would be way too much chocolate. I just sprinkled a few on top to decorate before baking. They were awesome!