Creme de Menthe Brownies & a Special Birthday

Last Wednesday, my middle sibling turned 21! She's (we've) been counting down for moooonths. My other sister and I have been trying to plan something special for a while. My mom wanted to take us 3 older sisters to Vegas for a weekend...however, that was a big dream. PLUS, we still have one more sister that has yet to reach this exciting age, and we'd hated to leave her behind!

The final plan was a night in D.C. for the three oldest sisters this past weekend, which ended up being such a good time! We stayed near Dupont Circle and were able to meet up with some of our college sorority sisters so that we had a huge entourage when walking into our one and only bar for the night (whoops?).

As fun as it was to see friends and go out, the real highlight was getting to spend time with both of my "blood" sisters. We haven't done something this big, just the three of us, in WHO KNOWS how long; and it was so great to dress up, eat food, catch-up, and enjoy some beverages officially as adults. 

We ended the weekend with what I'm told is typical for D.C. dwellers: BRUNCH. I LOVE BRUNCH. I made reservations at Madhatter. Maybe I chose it because there were blueberry pancakes...maybe not. Whatever the reason, my pancakes, bacon, and cheesy scrambled eggs were just what me and my spinning head needed :) 

So what about these brownies? (Or am I really just going to talk about my sisters and pancakes?) The birthday girl requested them when I mentioned I was going to bring up a "baked" present. Growing up, our mom always came back from her annual cookie parties with a bag of these creme de menthe brownies--along with other, less captivating treats, and us kids always used to fight for them! Mint & chocolate is a wonderful combination, although not quite as loved as chocolate and peanut butter. 

These brownies are rich, yet refreshing, and are fairly simple to whip up when you have the ingredients on hand. And I'm looking forward to making many batches in the months to come...since I now have about a handle of creme de menthe. Ok, its probably not a handle. I've never been good with measurements. However much it is, I do plan on using some up this St. Patrick's Day. Maybe chocolate creme de menthe cupcakes? Hmmm yes.

Happy Belated Birthday, Christine! Thanks for giving me an excuse to buy booze and bake...and for giving us all an excuse to get together. I love you <3 

Creme De Menthe Brownies

Adapted from How Sweet It Is

Servings: ~16 brownies

1 8x8 pan of your favorite brownies (I tried this recipe from My Baking Addiction)

Mint Layer

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup creme de menthe

Chocolate Layer

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

• Prepare brownies and cool completely. You may remove the brownie entirely from the pan, but do not cut into pieces.

• In a standing mixer, or using a hand-held mixer, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar for the mint layer. Add vanilla and creme de menthe; continue to beat until light, fluffy, and fully incorporated. 

• Spread mint from icing in an even layer on top of the cooled brownies. Refrigerate (or freeze) until layer is fully set.

• In a heat-proof bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter, either with a double-boiler or by heating in the microwave in 30 second increments (stirring until smooth).

• Once fully melted and smooth, spread into an even layer on top of the mint layer. Refrigerate or let it sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set. 

Recommended storage: refrigerator, if not intending to eat within 1-2 days.