Mint Brownies for St. Patrick's Day

Although I recently made these brownies for my Dad's birthday, I thought it was a great recipe to share for St. Patrick's Day because of the green frosting!   I know for a fact that Irish Americans love these brownies, so this recipe is no-fail for your St. Patrick's Day party.

Mint Chocolate Brownies

1 1/2 cups  (3 sticks) plus 6 Tbsp. butter, divided
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. water
1 tsp. mint extract
4 drops green food coloring
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350.  Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 pan.  Melt 2 sticks butter.  Stir in sugar and vanilla.  Add eggs; beat well.  Add cocoa, flour and backing powder; beat until well blended.  Pour batter into pan.  Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick is clean.  Cool completely.

Mint Center
Mix powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter, water, mint extract and color.  Beat until smooth.  Spread on brownies and chill.

Chocolate glaze
Melt 6 Tbsp. butter and chocolate chips.  Cool slightly, pour over brownies.

Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

* This recipe is courtesy of the Park Avenue Bakery in Helena, Montana.  If you want to eat them without going to all the baking fuss, stop in at the bakery for a sweet bite.