Grandma Mary's Peppermint Bark

1 pkg white choc chips
24 starlight peppermints

Melt chocolate chips and stir until smooth (microwave or double boiler).

Put mints in a bag and break them up with a hammer. Put them in a strainer to remove big chunks. Stir peppermint dust into white chocolate and pour out onto foil. Sprinkle remaining candy on top.

from Helen Macfarlane who got it from her mother

Brownies

Why I don't buy boxed brownies anymore -- these are so easy!

1 cup melted butter
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
pinch of salt

Mix butter, sugar and cocoa. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Add vanilla. Add flour and salt and mix just until blended. I've found it's a good idea to mix really, really well before adding the flour, then mix just enough after adding flour. If I mix too much after, the brownies have a flaky layer on top.

Bake in a greased 9x13 pan at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes. When doubling (which is always a good idea!), bake in a greased sheet cake pan (about 12x15) and cook for same time.

Our favorite frosting with these is Betty Crocker Classic Chocolate. We've tried several different types of chocolate but this is the best.