Christmas Baking with LifeSearch

#ChristmasBaking

 

Yule love this. Cooking with a Searcher:

 

One to satisfy those with a sweet tooth and this comes from Becca Young a LifeSearch Legend for well over a decade.

Peppermint Brownies

These Peppermint Brownies are classic fudge brownies with a minty twist! This easy brownie recipe is a perfect addition to Christmas.

Makes: 16 brownies (it’s supposed to anyway but all depends how hungry you are)

Ingredients

170g. dark chocolate coarsely chopped
115g unsalted butter
150g caster sugar
60g light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
80g plain flour
75g mint crisps (I used Bendicks)

For the ganache
115 chocolate of choice (white, dark or milk)
100ml cup heavy cream
Crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180 (160 fan), gas mark 4. Line and lightly grease an 8x8” baking pan.
2. In a bowl mix the flour, salt, and cocoa powder together.
3. Put the chocolate and butter in a large glass bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, and repeat until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn this mixture.
4. Add the sugars to the chocolate mixture and whisk until completely combined. The mixture should be room temperature.
5. Add 2 eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts and stir. Do not overbeat the batter at this stage or your brownies will be cakey.
6. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture. Using a rubber spatula (not a whisk), fold the flour mixture into the chocolate until only just combined. Fold in the mint crisps.
7. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. 
8. Once the brownies are completely cool you can make the ganache topping. Heat the heavy cream for 30-40 seconds in the microwave until bubbling. Add the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute before stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
9. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the ganache is set before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.
10. Brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.