Easy Peppermint Bark Brownies

The Ghirardelli Chocolate site has a great recipe for one of my favorite holiday treats: Peppermint Bark Brownies. These are great to serve or give away as gifts. I like to give gifts in unique containers, and old tins are my gift giving choice. I collect tins all year at the Flea Market, the White Elephant Sale.. and my own garage. You never know what you'll find where.

I'm not adverse to using mixes, and I like Ghirardelli Brownie Mix. Of course, you can always use your own brownie recipe and follow the same steps. Want to make these brownies even more chocolate-y? Add chocolate chunks to the batter.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Ingredients

Brownies
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1 egg
1- 20 oz package or 1 pouch Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix

Peppermint Topping
2 cups (12 oz) Ghirardelli Classic White Chips
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup crushed peppermint candy (about 16 hard, round candies)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.

For Brownies
In medium bowl, blend together oil, water and egg.
Add brownie mix and stir until moistened.
Spoon batter into lightly greased 13x9x2-inch pan.
Bake 24-26 minutes.
Let brownies cool completely.

For Peppermint Topping
Place white chips and vegetable oil in small bowl.
Microwave at 50% power for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
Spread melted white chocolate over cooled brownie.
Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
Let topping set before cutting.