Chocolate Peppermint Bars

Description: Chocolate and peppermint -- a classic combination! The smooth chocolate top layer hides two more yummy layers underneath: a chocolate crust and creamy peppermint filling. You can also tint the mint layer green (or red, I suppose, for Christmas, though I think green is prettier and 'mintier.' Originally from the Colorado Cache cookbook, these bars are great for the holidays or anytime. Prep time does not include assorted chilling periods.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sifted flour
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
• 2 -3 tablespoons cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

1. For Layer#1:.
2. Melt chocolate and butter, stirring frequently.
3. Cream eggs and sugar; add flour and chocolate mixture.
4. Mix well and spread in 8x8 pan.
5. Bake at 350F for 20 min; turn oven off and bake 5 min more.
6. Let cool.
7. For Layer#2:.
8. Cream sugar and butter together.
9. Blend in cream and extract.
10. Spread on cooled crust layer and refrigerate until chilled.
11. For Layer#3:.
12. Melt chocolate and butter together; pour over peppermint layer.
13. Chill& cut into small squares (this is rich!).