Kneaders Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Brownies:
1 cup butter
4oz unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
1 teasoon vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Melt the chocolate and butter in a 2 quart bowl in the microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every 20-30 seconds until the chocolate is melted. Cool slightly. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla and mix well with a spatula. Add the flour and stir to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. spread into a buttered 9x13x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Do not overcook. Cool.

Filling:
1/2 cup softened butter, margarine, or shortening
2 cups confectioners' sugar
mint flavoring to taste
pink food coloring

In a small bowl, beat the confectioners'sugar, butter and mint flavoring until smooth. Add food coloring to make a light pink. Spread evenly over cooled brownies and then chill.

Chocolate Ganache
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
Crushed red and white peppermint (optional)

Put the chocolate chips and cream into a small bowl. microwave on high for 1 minute stirring every 20-30 seconds until chocolate is melted. Do not over heat. Immediately pour over the brownies. Decorate with crushed peppermint on top.