1 1/2 c. butter, melted (3 sticks)
3 c. sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
5 eggs
2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
24 sm. peppermint patties, unwrapped (1 1/2 inch)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. In large bowl with spoon or wire whisk, stir together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs; stir until well blended. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; blend well. Reserve 2 cups butter; set aside. Spread remaining batter in prepared pan. Arrange peppermint patties in single layer over batter about 1/2 inch apart. Spread reserved 2 cups of batter over patties. Bake 50-55 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack; cut into squares.