Ready to go in the oven. Yum!

Miss A’s Christmas party was today and in an effort to change my slacker ways I did not sign up to bring napkins or paper plates. OK so maybe those slots were taken, but I could have taken the usual road and bought cute cupcakes at the grocery but I opted to actually dirty up some dishes and turn my oven on.

I found this delicious brownie bites recipe at the Picky Palate. Mine turned out much more brownie-esque (that’s a word, I’m certain) than cake like so I’m not sure if I needed to add even more water to the mix or how I could have prevented that. I made these for a classroom full of 4-year-olds and not Martha Stewart, however, so I know they’ll be excited over BROWNIES! and PEPPERMINT SPRINKLES!  I did not have a mini muffin pan so I used two regular muffin pans but I only made 20, rather than two full pans (for 24 total). I love how the candy cane Hershey’s Kisses give the brownies a subtle taste of peppermint. I also love that there is leftover candy after you’re finished and for the opportunity to beat the heck out of some candy canes for the sprinkles. Bonus stress reliever!

And here is where I thank 8 pound two ounce baby Jesus I am not a food stylist or food photographer…sorry this is blurry. I was recovering from a cold medication hangover when I took this picture early this morning.

Festive Candy Cane Kiss Centered Brownie Bites

1 brownie mix (9×13 inch size)

18 candy cane Hershey Kisses

1/2 cup chocolate chips

2 tablespoons heavy cream

3 original candy canes, crushed

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and scoop into a mini cheesecake pan or mini muffin tin pan that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray, about 3/4 way full.  Press kisses into center of brownie batter, do not push all the way to bottom, some of the tip should stick out the top.  Bake for 20-23 minutes or until brownies are cooked through.  Let cool completely.

2.  Melt chocolate chips in microwave, 30 second intervals until smooth and melted.  Stir in cream until silky smooth.  You can place back in microwave for 10 seconds to smooth more if needed.  Dip tops of brownies into melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes. 

For more Mouthwatering Mondays goodness, visit my fine Texas friend Rachel at A Southern Fairytale.