Scrumptious chocolate brownies with a layer of chocolate-covered peppermint patty candies baked in the center.

Scrumptious Peppermint Brownies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

24 small chocolate-covered peppermint patty candies, unwrapped
1 1/2 cups butter, melted
3 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°F). Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, stir together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs; beating until well blended. Stir in flour mixture, blending well. Reserve 2 cups batter.
4. Spread remaining batter in prepared pan. Arrange peppermint patties about 1/2-inch apart in single layer over batter. Spread reserved 2 cups batter over patties.
5. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely; cut into squares.

Makes 24 to 36 brownies.