Chocolate Mint Christmas Brownies

Bake your favorite fudge brownies. Remove from oven when done, and spread 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Return the pan to the oven, let them melt, a few minutes. Carefully spread the melted chips over the brownies. Let cool completely.

Make a cream cheese frosting, with 3 oz. cream cheese, 3 Tbsp. butter, and 2-3 cups sifted powdered sugar, blend to nice consistency. May add a few drops of milk or cream, if desired. Add green food coloring to desired tint, and add about 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract (it's strong).

Carefully spread over cooled brownies. Crush some candy canes (use a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin) and sprinkle on top. I made Christmas tree shapes, by cutting into lines on the short side, then cut diagonals.

By Kim Cox J. from Crawford, CO