Blue Belle Inn's Holiday Brownie Tree

Holiday Brownie Tree

1 (1 lb. 3.5-oz.) pkg. fudge brownie mix
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. water
2 eggs
1 c. miniature M&M's (from 12-oz. pkg.)
Few drops green good color
1 (16-oz.) can creamy vanilla frosting
1/3 - 1/2 c. miniature M&M's

Candy Bar for tree trunk

Line 13x9" pan with foil, extending foil over edges; grease foil. In lg bowl, combine brownie mix, oil, water & eggs; beat 50 strokes with spoon. Stir in 1 cup baking bits. Spread batter in greased foil-lined pan. Bake at 350° for 28-30 min or until set. Do not overbake. Cool 30 min or until completely cooled. Freeze brownies 30 min. Using foil, lift brownies from pan; place on cutting board. To cut tree shape from brownies, start at center of 1 short side and make 2 diagonal cuts to corners of opposite short side, forming a triangular piece in center. Add green food color to can of vanilla frosting; stir to combine. Place 2 brownie side pieces together on foil-lined serving tray to form tree shape. Spread 1/3 cup frosting over top of tree shape. Top with whole tree shape; trim if necessary to line up edges. Frost sides and top of brownie tree with remaining frosting. Sprinkle 1/3-1/2 cup candy pieces decoratively over top of tree. Use strawberry "licorice" for roping. If desired, place 1 junior-sized candy bar, unwrapped, at base of brownie tree to form trunk. (We used 1/2 of a Milky Way.) 18 servings.