Peppermint Chocolate Brownies

From good ol TOH. Tried and true--

• Ready In: 31 mins
• Yields: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter (no substitutes)
• 2  ounces  squares  unsweetened chocolate
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup pecans or 1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped

• Frosting

• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 2  cups powdered sugar
• 1  teaspoon  peppermint extract
• 3 -4  tablespoons  whipping cream

• Topping

• 1  ounce  square  semisweet chocolate
• 1  tablespoon butter

Directions

1. In a microwave or double boiler, melt butter and chocolate.
2. Cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla.
4. Add the chocolate mixture and mix well.
5. Combine flour and salt and gradually add to chocolate mixture.
6. Stir in nuts.
7. Spread into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean.
9. Cool on a wire rack.
10. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and extract.
11. Add enough cream until frosting reaches spreading consisitency.
12. Frost cooled bars.
13. Melt chocolate and butter.
14. Drizzle over frosting.
15. Cut into bars.