Ahhh, the after-dinner mint.
That final burst of goodness as you head out the door after a yummy meal.
Some of you pop one in your mouth, some of you grab a handful, as if your candy bowl at home needs replenishing and you just pulled a fast one. Way to stick it to the man.
Anyway, I have a dessert that will please your palate after dinner, before lunch, maybe for breakfast and definitely as a snack at midnight. After Dinner Mint Brownies.
These little squares of goodness are the perfect way to end a fabulous meal. The chocolate and the mint make such a nice couple that it’s like Brad and Angelina are dancing on your taste buds.
The mint is just “minty” enough to provide a refreshing finish. For those of you like myself who prefer a heavy mint flavor, enjoying your brownie with a nice snifter of peppermint schnapps works wonders. For you classier folk, please enjoy some Rumple Minz with your dessert.
The chocolate and the
mint make such a nice couple — it’s like Brad and Angelina are dancing
on your taste buds.
These brownies are fudgey (yes, it’s a word) and with the chocolate mint glaze that adorns them, they simply melt in your mouth. If you serve these lovelies after dinner, no one will want to leave your home, and if they do, watch ’em, they might grab a handful on their way out. Their brownie bowl might need replenishing.
Now, follow the directions, put some love into it and invite me over when it’s done.
After Dinner Mint Brownies
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp. espresso
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. peppermint extract
2 eggs (lightly whisked)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Chocolate Glaze
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 /4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp. corn syrup
1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease an eightinch baking pan or line with parchment paper. In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.
In medium saucepan over low heat, slowly melt butter and chocolate until smooth. Stir in espresso. Take off heat.
Stir brown sugar into chocolate mixture until dissolved. Add peppermint extract. Stir in lightly whisked eggs.
Fold flour mixture into chocolate batter and stir until just combined.
Pour brownie batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
Do not overbake. Take out of oven and let cool.
For glaze: Melt all ingredients in small pan over low heat (or microwave) until smooth. Pour over cooled brownies and let set.
When ready to serve, cut into squares, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
You can watch the Dessert Diva every Monday at 8:35 a.m. on Channel 2. To contact Danette at the station, visit 2thedeuce.com, and click on Daybreak on the Deuce. To chat and/or send comments and suggestions, write to jdromega@aol.com.
Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
