Chocolate Mint Thumbprints

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
2 egg yolks
16 drops green food color
2 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. dark chocolate chips
3 Tbl. whipping cream
3 Tbl. butter
18 Andee's style mints, cut in half diagonnally

Beat 1 c. butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in extract, eggs, and food coloring until blended.  Beat in flour, b. pow. and salt.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.  Using end of handle of wooden spoon, press a deep well into center of each cookie.  Bake 10 - 12 min. @ 350 or until set.  Reshape wells with end of handle .  Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet  and cool completely.  In microwavable bowl, microwave choc. chips, cream and 3 Tbl. butter on high 1 min., stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.  Fill each well with about 1 tsp. chocolate; garnish with candy piece, stuck in at angle.  Let sit about 1 hour until chocolate is set.                    - Tricia