By: Bethany Richardson

Chocolate goes well with almost anything- peanut butter, fruit, caramel, the list goes on and on.  Another famous chocolate pairing is celebrated today (February 19): chocolate and mint.  Today is recognized as national mint chocolate day by the National Confectioners Association, which also has a list of various other sweet-themed holidays. 

While chocolate and mint are perhaps not the most common combination, there are certainly a few important examples.  Thin Mints, sold by the Girl Scouts, are one of the most popular varieties of cookies in their portfolio, and have been sold since the 1960s.  Another classic product is the York Peppermint Pattie, which has been around since the 1940s. And you can’t forget about mint chocolate chip ice cream!  In addition to manufactured products, believe it or not, there is actually a variety of the mint plant that possesses both mint and chocolate flavor characteristics.

But one of my most favorite mint products are Andes Mints, and personally I think the best way to use them is as an addition to brownies. Below is my favorite brownie recipe (adapted from Allrecipes) with the addition of Andes mint chips to help you get in the spirit of today!

Best Brownies

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup Andes Mint chips
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1-3 tablespoons of milk (optional)
• Additional Andes chips for sprinkling (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.

2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Add 1 cup of Andes chips. Spread batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook- these brownies are fudgy and will not be completely set in the center while still warm.

4.  While brownies are baking, make frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar.  Add milk 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.  Frost brownies while they are still warm and sprinkle with additional mint chips.

Enjoy!

How are you celebrating chocolate mint day? Or do you have another favorite food holiday?

Photo credit: http://www.gianninewyork.com/products/icecream-mintcc.php