Three-Layer Brownies

I woke up this morning and realized that Christmas is in three days. I can't believe it. This whole being a grown-up and being away from home during the holidays thing is strange. Now, it's my responsibility to carry on the traditions of my youth for all of the fun things leading up to Christmas. But I was so busy this year that I didn't get a tree, I didn't hang lights, I barely even listened to Christmas music! It's no wonder I feel like Christmas snuck up on me.

Growing up, Christmastime meant a few things in my house: Mannheim Steamroller, driving around our neighborhood to look at lights, chocolate advent calendars, and my mom's three-layer brownies. Every year she made them for my dad's office, and every year at the start of the holiday season, my dad would come home saying that his coworkers were beginning to ask for the brownies. Yep, this was a sure sign of Christmastime.

Well, I may not have a tree, and I may be several days behind in eating my advent calendar chocolate (mmm I have some delicious catching up to do), but it's definitely not Christmas without Mom's Three-Layer Brownies.

I decided to carry on this tradition and bring them to my office during the holidays. The only thing is, the 2nd of the three layers is minty. And I don't do mint. Call me crazy, but it's just a flavor that I don't care for. So making these gets to be a bit tricky for me, because I don't know how much peppermint extract to add! This is why it is handy to have taste-testers around at all times :)

But despite my mint-aversion, these brownies are sure to please. And their green layer makes them a bit festive for the holidays. They just might become your holiday tradition too!

Three-Layer Brownies

recipe from my mom

(recipe is for an 8 inch pan, my mom recommends that you cut them small because they are so rich. for a double recipe, use a 9x13 pan, and you can get a LOT of brownies)

Brownie Layer

• 2 squares (2 oz) unsweetened Baker's chocolate
• 1/2 c. butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. flour
• 1/2 c. sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional. i omit these.)

Green Mint Layer

• 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp. butter, softened
• 2 tbsp. whipping cream
• 3/4 tsp. peppermint extract (more or less to taste)
• green food coloring

Chocolate Glaze Layer

• 2 oz. sweet cooking chocolate (I used Baker's German chocolate)
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Brownie Layer:

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick.
4. Pour cooled chocolate into egg mixture and add flour.
5. Mix together, then add nuts, if using.
6. Pour into a greased 8x8 pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and cool.

Green Mint Layer:

1. Beat all ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Add green food coloring for desired color (I like mine to be pretty green).
3. Spread over brownie layer and chill for 1 hour.

Chocolate Glaze Layer:

1. Melt all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Spoon over green layer in any design.
3. Chill for 1 hour.
4. Enjoy!