Chocolate Mint Parfait Bars

1 pkg Chocolate Devil's Food Cake Mix with Pudding
1/3 c Butter softened
1 Egg
1 Envelope unflavored Gelatin Powder
1/4 c Boiling Water
4 c Powdered Sugar
1/2 c Butter softened
1/2 c Shortening
1/4 ts Peppermint Extract
3 dr Green Food Coloring
6 oz Chocolate Chips
3 tb Butter

Heat oven to 350�F. Grease 15 x 10" baking pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/3 cup butter and egg. Beat at low speed until crumbly. Press evenly in bottom of greased pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; cool slightly. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar; blend well. Add 1/2 cup butter, shortening peppermint extract and food color. Beat 1 minute at medium speed or until smooth and creamy. Blend in remaining 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Spread filling evenly over cooled base.

In small saucepan over low heat, melt frosting ingredients: chocolate chips and 3 T. butter. Stir constantly until well blended.

Spoon frosting evenly over filling, carefully spreading to cover. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving. Store any remaining bars in refrigerator.

Makes 48 bars.

Source of Recipe: 1982 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest