Mudslide Critter Bars Food

BIG SLAB BROWNIE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 26-by-18-by-1-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang over the sides. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk to combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside.
• In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then the vanilla extract until completely incorporated. Add the flour mixture a cup at a time and beat until combined.
• Remove the bowl from the stand and use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and cherries. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Cool on a rack to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
• Pour the Chocolate Ganache over the brownies and let cool. Cut into 32 rectangle-shaped cookie bars.
• Put the chocolate chips in a medium bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan, about 3 minutes. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.

GOPHER BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a glass 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with butter and line it with strips of parchment paper so the paper comes up over the edge of the dish. Grease the paper with more butter.
• Place a small pot of water on medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the simmering water and add the butter and chocolate to gently melt together, stirring to combine. (This can also be done in the microwave, heating at 15 second intervals.)
• Transfer the chocolate and butter mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the brown and granulated sugars, eggs, vanilla and salt and whisk together. Add the flour and gently whisk to combine, then pour into the baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out somewhat clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely.
• Carefully spread the Minty Buttercream over the brownies, then refrigerate until firm. Once the buttercream has firmed up, use the parchment sleeves to carefully remove the brownies from the baking dish. Slice into bars.
• Combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add the creme de menthe and beat until combined. Add the confectioners' sugar a quarter at a time and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

DARK CHOCOLATE NUT BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush an 8-by-8-inch dish with 1 teaspoon of the coconut oil and set aside.
• Combine the coconut flakes, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, trail mix and flaxseed and spread into an even layer on a baking sheet. Toast until lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes, then transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads 260 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Immediately pour over the nut mixture and stir to coat. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture into the prepared dish and let cool until set, about 30 minutes.
• To make the chocolate drizzle, combine the chocolate chips and remaining 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl and place over a small pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring, until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, combine the chocolate and oil and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring often, until melted and smooth.)
• Drizzle the chocolate over the mixture. When set, cut into bars and serve.