Midnight Mint Squares

This is another recipe that we make every Christmas - it wouldn't be Christmas without a few of these on the cookie plate. My grandmother used to make them every year so I've likely been enjoying these fro more than 40 years - a festive tradition. I'm one of those folks who think chocolate and mint belong together so these are one of my favourites.

As a crazed adult trying to get everything ready for Christmas I appreciate the fact that they are ready fairly quickly! This is one of those recipes that you can pull together in less than 30 minutes allowing you to save time for more important tasks - like sipping wine with pals.

Midnight Mint Squares

1/2 C. butter
1/3 C. cocoa
1/4 C. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 C. graham cracker crumbs (about 28 squares)
3/4 C. flaked coconut
1/2 C. finely chopped walnuts

Filling:
1/3 C. butter (no substitution), softened
2 C. confectioners' sugar
3 T. milk
1 t. peppermint extract
Green food coloring, optional

Topping:
2/3 C. semi sweet chocolate chips
2 T. butter (no substitutes)

In a heavy saucepan, heat the butter, cocoa, and sugar over low until sugar is dissolved, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg; return all to the pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cracker crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Press into a buttered 9-inch square pan; set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, milk and extract until smooth. Tint with green food coloring, if desired. Spread evenly over bottom layer; set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat until blended and smooth, stirring often. Cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Spread evenly over filling. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Cut into bars.

Comments

[bellini]

They would be devoured quicker than they could be made Jerry!!

[Kayte]

These look charming, a tried and true recipe, festive in holiday colors and cheer, mint and chocolate, just the thing to serve after dinner on a lovely tray...SOLD! Putting these on the list to make, I hope mine turn out as nicely as yours. So far I have 14 kinds of cookies stored away in the freezer for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...and with the boys out of the house, I no longer need to disguise them in boxes labeled "Chicken Parts" to ensure that they will still be there for Christmas entertaining! lol

[JDeQ]

I know waht you mean bellini - good thing I don't make them very often.

I don't have to worry about hiding cookies away Kayte - shockingly we don't eat very many at all. Your 'chicken parts' solution made me giggle like a fiend though. :-)