“I could smell those brownies baking from upstairs!” a guest exclaimed with a smile as she peered eagerly toward the cookie plate being carried across the inn dining room. “I can’t remember the last time I had a warm, freshly baked brownie. What a treat! “
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients:
5 oz. bitter sweet chocolate bar or chips
½ cup butter
¾ tsp peppermint extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup flour
2 Tbsp dark, unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
2 candy canes, crushed (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and then line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate and butter in bowl in microwave (about 40 seconds).
3. Remove and stir in both extracts and the sugar and let cool a few minutes, then stir in the eggs.
4. In another bowl, sift and stir together the flour, cocoa powder and salt and then add to wet mixture stirring until combined.
5. Spread into the lined pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes.
6. As soon as out of the oven, top brownies with sprinkle of the crushed candy cane and gently tap them into top. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
It’s reactions like this from our guests that remind us that an oven-baked, homemade treat is forever a symbol of warm hospitality from a host to a house guest and of how much delight it brings. Perhaps it’s the happy memories of a plate of festive goodies associated with visiting family and friends for special occasions. Perhaps it’s a chance for our tastebuds to dance a little more carefree for just a while during a vacation or getaway.
With the holiday season upon us, now is the time for making our guests feel especially cared for and welcomed. We deck the halls of our inn with the amber glow of Christmas lights to create for them a cozy, “home away from home” to warm hearts and make spirits bright.
The fresh, home-baked goods we prepare are another way we show our guests that they are special. The heart of our inn is the innkeepers, and we are creating nostalgic holiday flavors daily. From the breakfast sweetbreads (some recipes passed down from Lisa’s mom) to the evening cookies, much love is baked into every mouthwatering bite.
The taste of rich, dark chocolate and peppermint is a combination that can make just about every heart sing. These dark chocolate peppermint brownies are met with delight at our inn, and we know you’ll enjoy them in your home, too.
So, get out the holiday oven mitt and spatulas and don your favorite apron. Crank the Burl Ives or Mariah, the Wham, Destiny’s Child, or the Kelce brothers Christmas songs and let your fleece-socked feet, and your tastebuds dance.
Just be sure to bake a few extra of these brownies if you put them out early or we can’t promise that there’ll be any left for Santa!
Happy Holidays!