So, in my efforts to countdown to Christmas I'm going to do some posts about my favorite holiday things - and yes, one of them is PEPPERMINT! Love it! Love candy canes, love red and white, love the cold way your breath feels when you eat them. I usually have a pocketful of mini candy canes or peppermint discs - my family laughs at me because I'm always offering them peppermints because I believe that they are a cure-all for whatever ails you. Seriously, I think they are!
Well, one of my favorite things during December is that Peppermint finally gets some love! Here are some wonderful ways to use peppermint this season!
Peppermint Bark Candy - we make this candy every year, it's incredibly easy to make and delicious
Ingredients
* Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
* 2 pounds white chocolate
* Peppermint flavorings, optional
Directions
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)
Here's another lovely version of Peppermint Bark Candy (this would also be nice for Valentine's Day)
Peppermint Bark Hearts
Ingredients:
* 26 peppermint candy canes (2 1/2 inch)
* 6oz. vanilla flavored candy coating (Bark Bars), chopped
* 2 tsp. peppermint candies or candy canes, crushed
Instructions
Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Arrange candy canes on paper in groups of 2 in a heart shape.
Melt vanilla bark squares in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and completely melted.
Spoon or pipe candy coating into centers of hearts to fill spaces. Smooth with a toothpick or bamboo skewer. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or until set.
It's also nice to dip candy canes or peppermint stick into the melted vanilla bark (or chocolate bark) and then decorate with colorful sprinkles.
Another great recipe to make and give for the holidays is White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients
* 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, softened, divided
* 2 cups sugar
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 12 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped
* 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions
* Line a 9-in. square pan with foil. Grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside.
* In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, sour cream and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a rapid boil; cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 234° (soft-ball stage), about 5 minutes.
* Remove from the heat; stir in white chocolate and marshmallow creme until melted. Fold in peppermint candy and extract. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until firm.
* Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut fudge into 1-in. squares. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 pounds
Here are a few more recipes I found on the Internet
Heart Shaped Peppermint Patties from Erin Cooks
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies ( So beautiful aren't they?)
Peppermint Chocolate Cake Using Celestial Seasoning Tea!
Here's another wonderful gift giving idea - Peppermint Stick Coca from Sunset Magazine
And now for something completely different - Peppermint Foot Scrub - mmmmm sounds fantastic!
Here's a nice way to incorporate candy canes into your decor. The place setting came from . . . crap, I can't find where this came from - sorry! If you know let me know, thanks!
Lastly, here's a lovely print from Myan Photography on Etsy - so dreamy!
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