Gourmet Mint Brownies From Pillsbury

Brownies

1package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon mint extract

4 drops green food color

1 cup butter or margarine

4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, cut into pieces

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

1cup all-purpose or unbleached flour

Frosting

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons corn syrup

2 tablespoons water

2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, cut into pieces

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

·      -   Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 13x9-inch pan. In small bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add egg, mint extract and food color; mix well. Set aside.

·       -  In 3- to 4-quart saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and 4 oz chocolate over very low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Stir in 2 cups sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in flour; mix well. Spread in pan. Carefully spoon cheese filling over brownie mixture. Gently cut through layers with knife to marble.

·        - Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Cool completely.

·       -  In heavy saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons butter, corn syrup and water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat. Add 2 oz chocolate; stir until melted.

·        - Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until smooth. Frost cooled brownies. Cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Cover and refrigerate any remaining brownies.

Delicious when served in a bowl with a scoop of mint chip or vanilla bean ice cream.