moms days

since mother's day is coming up, we had an idea pop into our heads - why not get our moms to pick their favorite recipes they cooked for us growing up. they are after all the reason why this blog works so well. they were our teachers and early enablers. as they flipped through recipe boxes, lots and lots of tasty memories came floating to the surface.  one dish that came to the forefront of my (andrew's) culinary memories was my mom's unreal mint bars.  it's a little bit cake, a little bit chocolate and a lot of taste.  it reminds me of mint chip ice cream flavor, in a nice bite-sized hand held treat.  it's been a long, long time since i tasted these, but they are really amazing, simple yet amazing.  

chocolate mint bars

makes about 28 bars

for cake

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

4 eggs

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

1 16 oz. can chocolate syrup

mix all ingredients together in stand mixer with paddle attachment.  preheat oven to 325 degrees.  pour into 9x13 baking dish.  bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.  let cool to room temperature.

for peppermint filling

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbs unsalted butter, softened

2 tbs milk

1 tsp peppermint extract

about 3 drops green food coloring(use to desired mint coloring)

whip all ingredients together in stand mixer with whisk attachment.  spread onto cooled cake. allow to set, about 1/2 hour.  

for topping

4 tbs unsalted butter

4 oz. semi sweet chocolate 

melt butter and chocolate in a small pan over low heat stirring constantly.  pour over top of peppermint filling.  Let cool. we like to put them in the fridge or freezer and eat cold.