Peppermint Brownies

mmmm, here's a tasty treat I'm definitely going to make again (and I'm pretty sure all my neighbors wouldn't mind if I used this for neighbor gifts every year!)

I found my {inspiration} here (mint filling), here (ganache), and here (brownie).

1 cup granulated sugar

⅔ cup brown sugar

¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, melted

2 tablespoons water

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1⅓ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350F. Line a 13 x 9 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly grease. In a large bowl, cream the sugars, butter, water, eggs, and vanilla. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir the dry mix into the wet mixture and stir to combine. With a rubber spatula, spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 - 22 minutes.

After completely cooled spread the peppermint frosting/filling onto the brownies:

2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

3-4 drops peppermint essential oil (or 1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract)

1-2 TBSP Milk

red food coloring (1-5 drops, depending on your desired color)

Pour & spread ganache over top:

1/2 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

1/4 Cup heavy Cream

Mix & stir over low heat (or use a double boiler) until chocolate is completely melted.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top to make it pretty. :)

Chill in the refrigerator before cutting.

ENJOY! (and share so you aren't tempted to eat the entire pan!)