Chocolate Mint Brownies

I've had a few request for this recipe recently and am finally getting around to posting it.  I first tasted these several years ago when I helped my neighbor make them to serve as refreshments at a young women's meeting we were in charge of - this is her recipe. 

These fantastically, delicious brownies have become one of my all time favorite desserts - they're Winston's and Bo's favorites too - and I make them several times a year (my hips are proof of that!)  Did I mention that I LOVE these brownies?  :)   I wrote this post almost two years ago about how much Winston loves these.

MINT BROWNIES

BROWNIES:
6 Eggs
2 boxes Chewy Brownie Mix (I like the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix)

Mix as directed, bake in a greased 15-in. by 10-in. by 1-in. baking pan for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool.

MIDDLE MINT LAYER:
4 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter, softened
2 T. water
1 tsp. peppermint extract
6 drops red or green food coloring (I've even used blue and orange for some baby showers/parties)

Mix and spread on top of the cooled brownies.  Don't worry about getting crumbs mixed in with the frosting.  You're going to cover it up with the topping. 

TOPPING:

2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ c. butter (1 and ½ cubes)
¼ to ½ tsp peppermint extract (I like them better with 1/2 or even a 3/4 tsp of peppermint)

Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave (start out on high for 1 minute, stir and then repeat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted). Add mint extract in the chocolate.  Taste test and add more mint if you like.  Spread on top of mint frosting layer and refrigerate until set . . . WAY YUM!  (This recipe can easily be halved.  Just make in a 9x13 pan instead)