Triple Chocolate Threat Brownies

I created these chocolate-loaded brownies in high school for our high school sorority gatherings (yes, I am from the South!) and graduated to making them for college sorority sisters, and eventually my first boss (she claims she hired me because of these brownies). Who will you share this treat with?

Phase 1: Bake the brownies according to instructions on the box – the eggs, water and vegetable oil are the amounts given for “fudgy brownies” for the Duncan Hines brownies – or you can use the ingredient amounts required by the brand/box of brownie mix that you purchase. Once they are done baking, let your brownies cool for a while – you don’t want them to be piping hot for phase 2!

Now for the fun part!

Phase 2: In a double boiler, melt your chocolate chips. 1 1/2 bags is usually plenty – you don’t want TOO much chocolate (I’m sorry, did I really just say that?).

Using a rubber spatula (extra points if you use a gingerbread or snowflake one year-round like myself) spread the melted chocolate chips into a layer over your cooled brownies. This will eventually harden and basically form a candy bar on top of your brownies. You could stop here.

But why would you?

Sprinkle some M&Ms onto the melted chocolate layer (while warm so they will stick!). This is very fun to do. If you have easy access to the M&Ms you can sort the bag by color – so you can play with holidays or special occasions using color. Red, white and blue for the 4th of July; black and orange for Halloween – whatever you like, as many as you like! Or you can just get the mixed bag and make some bright, colorful brownies!

Phase 3: The most difficult phase. Wait for the brownies to harden! Cut into pieces – small will do because they are so rich – and serve!