     |
Adrian's Pepperminut Butter Cream Bars
Served with Ether Day Crust 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon whipping cream 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 cup semi-sweet real chocolate chips Topping 2 cups (8 oz) powdered sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 (3 ounce)package cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 teaspoon (approx) whipping cream Heat oven to 350. In small mixer bowl combine sugar, 3/4 cup butter and 1 tablespoon cream. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy (1 minute). By hand, stir in all remaining crust ingredients except chocolate chips. Press on bottom of 13X9-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand 2 minutes; spread over crust. Cool completely and chill in the refrigerator until chocolate layer is hard. Meanwhile, in large mixer bowl combine powdered sugar, 1/4 cup butter, cream cheese, salt and peppermint extract flavoring. Beat at medium speed, gradually adding enough whipping cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency and scraping bowl often, until smooth (1 to 2 minutes). Spread over cooled chocolate layer. Refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour) cut into bars. Notes: I found them very hard to cut when cold because of the chocolate. I used spearmint extract instead of peppermint. I think they'd be better with almond extract instead of mint. It might be a good idea to grease (and flour?) the pan |