Brownie with mint topping

Ingredients:

Brownie

• 1.5 cups premium flour
• 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 220 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 170 g milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups whole milk

Topping

• 2 bags of 7 g. powdered gelatin
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 0.5 cups of water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
• Cooking spray
• 2 sticks crushed red and white peppermint candies, for sprinkling

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; spray with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a saucepan, melt the butter and milk chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and add both sugars. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and milk. Gently fold in the flour mixture and knead until smooth. Pour the dough into the prepared pan.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a brownie comes out with a few crumbs, about 45 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely. Remove the brownies from the pan by pulling the edges of the foil.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the topping.:
   
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the gelatin, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Let stand for 2 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 minute. With the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on low speed, gradually pour in the sugar syrup. Gradually increase the speed to high; beat until thick and fluffy, 12-14 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and mint extracts.
5. Spray a silicone spatula with cooking spray and spread the topping over the brownies. Sprinkle with mint candies and let set for about 2 hours. Cut into pieces using a knife sprayed with cooking spray.