Grasshoppers for Desert

Chocolate and mint are two of the most popular holiday flavor combinations, and this recipe is the perfect example of why the two pair so well together. Though these delectable brownies take a bit of planning and preparation, we guarantee you that they're worth it.

Ingredients

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup hard margarine (or butter), softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa, sifted if lumpy
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

Middle Layer:
2/3 cup hard margarine (or butter), softened
2 cups icing (confectioner's) sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon peppermint flavouring
5-6 drops of green food colouring

Top Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons hard margarine (or butter)

Directions:
1. Bottom Layer: Cream margarine and brown sugar together in medium bowl. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Mix.
2. Add next 4 ingredients. Beat until moistened. Turn into greased 9 x 9 inch pan. Bake in 350°F oven for 15 minutes. Do not overcook. Cool thoroughly.
3. Middle Layer: Beat all 5 ingredients together in separate medium bowl. Spread over bottom layer.
4. Top Layer: Heat and stir chocolate chips and margarine in small heavy saucepan on low until melted and smooth. Spread over mint layer. Chill overnight until set. Cuts into 36 squares.

1 square: 153 Calories; 9.1 g Total Fat; 109 mg Sodium; 1 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrate; 1 g Dietary Fiber

Reprinted from Home for the Holidays, Company's Coming Publishing Limited. www.companyscoming.com

Don't those look absolutely delicious!? I think so! I SO want to make these, if only I had time. These would look great on the desert table at Christmas and I think everyone would enjoy them muchly! Unfortunately the only day I have off between now and Christmas is Sunday which is supposed to be the Mother of all Snowstorms and I haven't even STARTED Christmas shopping. Not to mention I have been so down in the dumps lately I barely have the energy to function (more on that later). Oh well, I guess these delicious treats will have to wait until next time.