Chocolate Mint Parfait Bars

• Heat oven to 350F

Base

• Grease 15×10 inch glass baking pan
• In a large bowl, combine all base ingredients at low speed until crumbly
• Press in bottom of prepared pan, so the bottom of the pan is covered to uniform depth. (You need some effort to do this.)
• Bake at 350F for 10 minutes. Cool. (You can turn off the oven once this step is done.)

Filling

• Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; cool
• In a large bowl, combine dissolved gelatin and 2 cups of powdered sugar
• Add butter, shortening, peppermint extract and food coloring.
• Beat mixture for about 1 minute at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
• Blend in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth, and the color is uniform.
• Spread filling over the cooled crust. (An offset metal spatula really helps here.)

Frosting

• In a small saucepan, over low heat, combine chocolate chips and butter, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and there are no lumps remaining.
• Spoon frosting evenly over filling, and carefully spread to cover. (Again an offset metal spatula really helps here.)
• Chill until firm. Cut into bars.