Brownies:
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
chocolate chips (optional)
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
1 1/2 tablespoon water
1 handful fresh mint leaves (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1. Mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the water, sugar, oil, and vanilla.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix
well. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Bake in a lightly oiled pan for 20-30 minutes, or until
a toothpick stuck into the brownies comes out clean.
5. Blend the powdered sugar, margarine, mint extract, water,
and mint leaves until smooth and creamy (this works best in
a food processor). If using a food processor, add the chocolate
chips and blend for a couple additional seconds, until the
chips are chopped roughly. If not using a food processor,
chop the chips roughly, then blend them into the icing by
hand.
6. When the brownies have cooled, spread the icing on top.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then cut the brownies
and serve.
Note: This recipe also works well for regular brownies - just
leave off the icing.
