Christmas Brownies With Candy Cane-Cream Cheese Frosting

Bake brownies using your favorite mix or recipe. Since these are VERY rich, bake medium to thin. Either split into two and spread over bottom of two 8x8 pans, or spread thin over a 9x12 pan. Allow to cool.

For Frosting: Mix together cream cheese, butter, peppermint extract and powdered sugar until creamy.

Pour a few drops of red food coloring into mixture and stir lightly with a spoon or knife, just enough to get streaks but not thoroughly blend the color. Spread thickly over brownies.

Put candy canes into a sandwich bag and crush by hammering lightly. (If you have a lot of pent up frustrations, go easy. You don\'t want candy cane powder!)

Sprinkle crushed candy cane over the top and press the pieces down lightly into the frosting. Chill to allow the frosting to set up.

Serve to your favorite elves.

Cook\'s Notes: If you love the combo of chocolate and peppermint like I do, add some crushed candy canes to the brownie batter and bake the flavor right in. It adds a nice little crunch, too.