Leave the boring brownies, grab this minty fresh baking tip!

In honor of St. Patty’s day, I thought I’d share this tip to make your brownies good and minty green.

You ready?

First, begin to prepare your brownies as usual.

(Side note: I baked brownies from scratch for years before I learned that my grandmie, the best baker I know and woman who makes the absolute best brownies in the world, uses a boxed mix. Yep. Mind blown. So there’s no shame in picking up a box of Pillsbury’s finest. My grandmie and I prefer the triple chocolate chunk.)

Back to the minty brownies. Still with me?

Right before you stick you pan in the oven, place pieces of Andes Mints (!) evenly in the batter. Then, bake. 

The result is a gooey, fudgey brownie with a fresh mint, candy green center. (P.S. if you're short of Andes Mints, I've used Ghirardelli mint squares in the past, and the result is equally rich and delicious. You just won't get that pop of green.)

These are sure to be a hit at any party, St. Patrick’s or otherwise.

O’yummy. 

Leave the spring pastels, grab the tangerine!

We’re just about in the throes of spring, fashionistas—why not spark some life in that closet with a pop of tangerine? Now before you get worried you’ll look like the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown, remain calm. It might not be the typical color you look for during this time of shamrocks and Easter eggs, but tangerine has become the hottest hue this season.

And with good reason, too. Tangerine compliments any skin tone (bright shades especially flatter darker/olive skin tones, softer, muter tones look great on paler skin tones). Really, as long as you avoid the prison jumpsuit orange, you should be good.

Whether you sport a tangerine mod-inspired dress, or add a tangerine handbag to your casual look for a spark of color, you’ll instantly inject some pizzazz to any outfit. 

Check out these cute tang-looks to inspire you:

1. Michelle Williams at the 2012 Oscars

Photo: Ghetty Images

 2. On the Runway

Photo: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Tam and Jennie Packham Spring 2012 RTW | Elle

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. At H&M

http://www.hm.com/us/product/97734?article=97734-C

 

 

 

 4. At Charlotte Russe

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12464524

 5. And this cute dress I found at Forever 21 (ignore the bf's arms in the background)