Hogwarts Confections: The Slytherin Cookie

I got some hate mail for my last post. Okay, hate is a strong word. Disapproving is way more apt.

It seems there were a lot of Gryffindors out there who very much disliked my attitude towards their beloved house. Or, more importantly, their beloved Harry Potter. I deserved it. I used strong words. But that's because I'm a Slytherin.

I know what you're thinking right now - "How could she be a Slytherin? She makes such delicious cupcakes. They can't be evil cupcakes, can they?" Well, let me tell you, Slytherin is not all about the evil. Sure there is a big bad bubble of that stuff hemorrhaging out the side of it, but you've got to look at the total picture:

1. Who do you want as your leader in a life altering situation? Someone who is overly emotional or too concerned with ethics? Or someone practical, rational, and ready to do anything to save our skins?
2. There is no way you love everyone. Come on. Even that really high-maintenance woman who parks their SUV across two spots and dings your car with their door? There are just some people you are meant to hate. 
3. Severus Snape - he wasn't bad. But he wasn't good either. He was able to switch sides to suit what he thought was the best option at the time. 
4. All people have the ability to be total jerks (Remember, Gryffindors, Wormtail was one of you!)  
5. Where would we be without a bit of ambition? Probably in our Mom's basement. Playing WoW. Or writing Harry Potter fan fiction. 
6. Dr. House would totally be a Slytherin. Admit it.

If we didn't have ambition, perseverance, determination, and resourcefulness, then we really wouldn't have all these lovely baked goods hanging around in the blogosphere, now would we? In order to highlight all the yumminess that can come out of the Hogwarts House of Evil, I picked out my absolutely favourite chocolate cookie recipe to feature as the Slytherin. 
These chocolate brownie cookies are to die for. They've got a slight crisp around the edges, but inside lurks a soft, deep, dark texture that absolutely melts in your mouth. On top is a melted chocolate mint, which just adds to the total package. Totally worth making a horcrux (or two) for. 

The Slytherin Cookie
Makes about two dozen cookies

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate (coarsely chopped)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
Mint chocolate candies (something like Andes will do you just fine)

1) Heat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside.

2) In a double boiler, combine butter, sugar, chocolate, and water - heat until melted and smooth. Pour into a large mixing bowl and let stand until cool (about 10 minutes).

3) After your chocolate mixture has cooled, add the eggs (one at a time) and beat with an electric mixture on high speed. Mix in your extract. Finally, slowly mix in the flour mixture and stir until well-blended.

4) Chill batter for at least one hour. After chilled, roll the dough into walnut/golf ball-sized balls. Place two inches apart on baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.

5) Right after you've taken your baked cookies out of the oven, place a mint chocolate candy. Allow to melt slightly and spread with a spoon.