Sandi McClain, former manager of the Blue Willow Inn gift shop, bakes these wonderful mint squares during the holidays, and she makes one batch especially for Louis as a part of his Christmas gift.
½ plus ½ cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 (16-ounce) can chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons green crème de menthe
1 cup chocolate chips, melted
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 350°. For the first layer, beat ½ cup of the butter with the granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add the beaten eggs and mix. Add the flour, salt, chocolate syrup, and vanilla. Blend well. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 × 13-inch pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
For the second layer, in a medium bowl combine the confectioner’s sugar, the remaining ½ cup butter, and the crème de menthe. Spread this mixture over the first layer. For the third layer, combine the chocolate chips and the melted butter in a medium bowl. Let the chocolate mixture cool. Spread it on top of the other layers. Allow the layers to cool long enough to become firm before cutting them into squares.
YIELD: 24 SERVINGS