Peppermint Chocolate Bars (Cookies)

     The frosting and topping make these thin brownies eye-catching.

Makes 4 dozens

• ½ cup butter
• 2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate 
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Frosting

• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons whipping cream

Topping

• 1 square (1 ounce) semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter

1. In a microwave or double boiler, melt butter and chocolate ; cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla ; add the chocolate mixture and mix well.
3. Combine the flour and salt ; gradually add to chocolate mixture, stir in nuts.
4. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan ; bake at 350F for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool on a wire rack.
6. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, confectioner's sugar and extract ; add enough cream until frosting reaches spreading consistency.
7. Frost cooled bars.
8. Melt chocolate and butter ; drizzle over frosting and cut into bars.

BON APPÉTIT