MINT JULEP BROWNIES

4 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened chocolate

1 cup butter
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 tbsp powdered sugar
fresh mint leaves for garnish, if desired

In a heavy saucepan, combine the chocolate and butter.  Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and blended.  Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

In a large mixer bowl, beat the eggs at medium speed with electric mixer until thick and pale (this will take a couple of minutes).  Gradually add the sugar to the eggs, beating well.

Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the egg mixture then add the flour, salt, bourbon, and peppermint extract; beat at low speed for 1 minute.

Spoon the batter into a lightly greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Before serving, sprinkle the brownies with the powdered sugar and cut into bars.  Garnish each bar with a mint leaf, if desired.

Yield: 48 bars

This file photo used for reference