Source: Maida Heatter's Book of Great Desserts (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1999 ed.), pg. viii.
I made these brownies again a few days ago and they were just as good as ever. This time I made half with York Peppermint Patties and the other half with Andes mints. There wasn't a noticeable difference in taste. The ones with the Andes mints were pretty with the mint green color but the ones with Yorks are equally pretty.
The original recipe came from a local deli in her area and did not include the mints (that recipe is available in the first edition of this book). She tinkered with the recipe and added the mints which do not melt during baking. I've been itching to make these ever since seeing them featured on the cover of the book.
These brownies are soft, gooey and wonderful. I like them best at room temperature. Every year, just before the holiday break, goodie bags are put together for our hard-working student library employees. This was my contribution to the bag this year.
8 oz. unsweetened chocolate
8 oz. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
8 oz. (2 cups) walnuts, cut into small pieces
5 eggs graded "large"
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1⁄2 tsp. almond extract
1⁄4 tsp. salt
1 TBS. plus 1 tsp. instant espresso powder
3 3⁄4 cups sugar
1 2⁄3 cups sifted unbleached flour
2 bags (14 oz. or 15.4 oz.) York chocolate-covered peppermint patties (I've also used Andes Mints)
(Note: Maida recommends using a Magic Line pan for these.)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 x 2 inch pan with foil. Place a tablespoon of butter on the foil, melt it in the oven, and spread the melted butter over the foil with a pastry brush.