Creme de Menthe Squares

Ok, it's the Christmas season and there are way too many tasty recipes in my box not to share.....This recipe is like a homemade Andes mint. Mom started making these when were we really young and we would sneak them out of the tin while she wasn't looking. TASTY! An horribly addictive, hide them from yourself!

Creme De Menthe Squares

Bottom layer

3/4 c. butter

3/4 c. chocolate chips

2 c. crushed chocolate graham cracker crumbs

1 egg beaten

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

Middle Layer

1/3 cup creme de menthe liquor

3 c. powdered sugar

Green food coloring.

Top Layer

1/2 c. butter

1 bag chocolate chips.

For bottom layer: In sauce pan combine 1/2 cup of the butter and 3/4 c. chocolate chips on low heat! Heat and stir until well blended. Remove from heat; add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, the egg and vanilla. Stir in graham cracker crumbs. Mix well. Press into bottom of an greased 13x9x2" baking pan. Bake on 350 degrees for 10 mins. Let cool.

For middle layer: Melt another 1/2 cup of the butter. In small bowl combine the melted butter and creme de menthe. At low speed of electric mixer beat in the remaining 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the chocolate layer. Chill 1 hour.

For top layer: In small sauce pan combine 1/2 cup butter and 1 bag chocolate chips. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Spread over middle layer. Chill 1 to 2 hours. Cut into small squares. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Variations:

I have tried this with ALL liquors and they turn out just as yummy. Frangelica, Chambourd, Kahlua, Baileys...the possibilities are endless.

Some people might want an alcohol free version. I'm sure you can make a really thick buttercream icing flavored with peppermint extract for a similar flavor. Orange extract might be another good one, always have loved those chocolate oranges this time of year.