Peppermint Brownies

Need to gain a few friends? Bring these beauties to your next party or give them as a gift and BAM…instantly you are everyone’s Best Friend. 

*Warning: Kember’s Brownies have been known to induce warm fuzzy feelings of love and adoration for those who eat them.* You will have friends knocking at your Facebook door telling you what an incredible human being you are for bringing these to the office party. So much so that they will be inclined to give you their next raise…or maybe their first born.

If you think I’m not serious…give it a whirl. I dare you. They are beyond delicious.
There is something about the combination of chocolate and peppermint that just hits the spot. Gluten, dairy & soy free desserts are a scarcity at Holiday parties. If you’ve been thinking about a good dessert to bake this holiday season, think no more. 

BROWNIES:
We baked our Kember’s Gluten Free Brownie Mix substituting the vanilla extract for the same amount of peppermint extract.  Once they were completely cooled, we whipped up a batch of dairy/soy free “butter” cream frosting , then sprinkled with broken peppermint pieces. It is a festive way to add a little something special to an already delicious treat!

"BUTTER"CREAM FROSTING:

• 1/2 cup shortening (I use palm shortening because it is soy free, but any shortening will do!)
• 1/2 cup butter alternative, softened (I use soy-free Earth Balance buttery sticks)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons milk alternative

1.In a large bowl, cream shortening and butter alternative with electric mixer. Add vanilla.
2.Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry.
3.Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.
4.For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored for 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.