Christmas Cookies Part 3: Creme de Menthe Brownies

I remember these brownies from all of our "fancy" parties.  And by fancy, I mean parties where there were adults.  As a little kid, I thought their limited appearance was because they were special.  Now I know it is probably more to do with the minuscule alcohol content since serving these only to kids could be frowned upon.  But despite or maybe because of the alcohol content, these brownies are delicious and pretty!

Creme de Menthe Brownies

For the Brownie Layer:
Two boxes of brownie mix (Ghirardelli recommended)
Double whatever ingredients the box calls for

Mix everything together and pour into a 9x13 pan.  Bake at 325°F 45-55 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

*If you don't want extra thick and chewy brownies, then just follow the directions on the box.

For the Mint Layer: 
1 stick of butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons creme de menthe
green food coloring if the creme de menthe isn't green

Mix the butter with the powdered sugar and the crème de menthe. Spread it over the cooled brownie layer.

For the Top Chocolate Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter
Crushed candycanes

Melt the chocolate chips together with the butter, either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove. Pour the chocolate layer over the crème de menthe layer. Sprinkle with crushed candycanes.  Transfer the baking pan into the freezer or refrigerator and allow to cool before you cut and serve.