Sugar High!!!

I have had several requests for recipes for some of the goodies that I made for our Christmas party, so I thought I would share a few. Both of these are super easy and great grab-and-go treats!

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BROWNIES

(see bottom plate in picture above)

Brownies

1/2 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat the oven to 350° and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. For the brownies, place the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and microwave for 1 minute more. Stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs. Stir in the chocolate and the vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour and salt until thoroughly combined. Pour into the prepared pan, then bake for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool for at least 1 hour.

Mint Frosting

¼ cup softened butter
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 ½ to 3 Tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring (may also use red)

To make mint frosting, cream the butter and powdered sugar. Add the milk and 1 Tablespoon at a time, beating until it is smooth and spreadable. Beat in the peppermint extract and tint to the desired shade with food coloring. Frost the cooled brownies, cover, and chill for 1 hour.

Chocolate Topping

¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 Tablespoons butter

To make the chocolate topping, pour the chips into a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until the chocolate melts. Stir until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the brownies and smooth it with a knife. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until the coating hardens.

Bring the brownies to room temperature, then cut into 16 to 32 pieces. Layer them on a piece of cellophane (place waxed paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Makes 16 to 32 brownies.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE BALLS

I made these cakes balls the same way I did here, but this time I substituted a chocolate cake and coconut icing to make German Chocolate Cake Balls. Personally I like these better, but I think its all about preferences!