Want a special treat? Try the mint and raspberry brownie mixes available through Creative Bakery Solutions. They are really yummy! Want to make them even better? Try these variations.
Dr. Ann Werner
werne023@umn.edu
Tin Roof Mint Brownies
Top the cooled mint brownies with Hershey’s hot fudge, warmed slightly to spread easily. Spread a layer of peanuts over the hot fudge, then, warm the hot fudge so it is easily drizzled over the peanuts and finally, drizzle caramel over the chocolate and peanuts. REALLY good stuff!
To make it more festive, bake the brownies in a half sheet pan (larger than a regular cookie sheet) so that they are thin when done. If you line the pan with parchment paper before baking the brownies you will be able to turn the pan over and easily remove the baked brownies from the pan.
Cut the sheet pan of brownies into three rows lengthwise. Place a layer of chocolate, peanuts and caramel over the bottom layer, add a brownie layer and repeat the peanut, chocolate and caramel layer over the second and third layers ending with the peanut, chocolate and caramel layer.
Freeze so that when the cake is cut, the layers show nicely. If it is not frozen before cutting, the layers will collapse together. It is not only pretty but very refreshing and flavorful.
Chocolate Raspberry Cream Brownies
Mix the chocolate raspberry brownie mix. Bake in a jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper so that the brownies can be easily turned out of the pan and cut into three lengthwise strips. Cool thoroughly before cutting and adding filling.
Filling:
Thaw a regular size bag of raspberries
Drain juice and set aside raspberries.
Bring 4 oz. cream cheese to room temperature
Whip one pint of whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. raspberry juice
Add powdered sugar to taste
Fold in cream cheese to whipping cream mixture
In a small saucepan thicken the raspberries and remaining juice with cornstarch.
Cool.
Layer the brownies, a thin layer of thickened raspberries, and a layer of whipping cream
Repeat.
On the top layer of brownie first mix the remaining thickened raspberries with the whipping cream and spread over the top.
Freeze before cutting. If you try to cut the layers without freezing you will not be able to see the layers.
Let set for a few minutes to thaw a bit before serving.
If desired, garnish with a cluster of fresh raspberries and a mint leaf.
Both recipes are great dinner party treats.
