Chocolate Mint Parfait Bars

Photo: Jo Ann

Ingredients

Ingredients for Base:

1 package chocolate cake mix

cup unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

Ingredients for Filling:

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup boiling water

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 to 3 drops green food coloring

Ingredients for Frosting:

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preparation

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 15x10-inch jelly roll pan. In large bowl, combine all base ingredients at low speed until crumble. Press in bottom of prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees. fro 10 minutes. Cool.

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; cool. In large bowl, combine softened gelatin, 2 cups of powdered sugar, butter, shortening, peppermint extract and food coloring; beat 1 minutes at medium speed or until smooth and creamy. Blend in remaining 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled crust. In small saucepan, blend chocolate chips and margarine over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring constantly. Spoon evenly over filling, spread frosting. Chill until firm; cut into 48 bars.