Anise Mints Food

BUTTER MINTS/REVISED EASIER RECIPE FOR SOME

Steps:

• 1. In a large mixer bowl, beat butter until creamy. With mixer on low, beat in powdered sugar, cream and extract ntil creamy and smooth...add optional food coloring at this point and mixing until almost uniform(it won't completely mix) that's ok.
• 2. Pour the mixture onto a lightly powdered sugar surface, knead until smooth and satiny. Cover the dough with a "slightly" damp towel to keep it from drying out.
• 3. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or non stick foil. Lightly dust work surface with powdered sugar and roll out a small amount of dough about 1/8 cupful and roll innto a 1/2 inch thick rope. Cut ropes into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces. Continue with remaining dough, until all is rolled and cut.
• 4. Carefully lift mints with spatula or pancake turner to prepared baking sheetts (mints will be soft). Let air-dry at room temperature for 2 days or until firm enough to handle and flavor ripens. Store candy pillows in an airtight container . Makes about 4 or 5 dozen.
• 5. Note: For anise flavored use anise(licorice) flavoring and green food coloring.

ANISE CANDY

Steps:

• Butter an 8-in. square dish with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals., Uncover; cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in extract and food coloring. , Pour into prepared dish. Using a sharp knife, score into 3/4-in. squares. Cool. Separate into squares, using a sharp knife if necessary. Place confectioners' sugar in a pan; add candy and roll until coated. Brush off excess sugar with a pastry brush. , Store at room temperature in an airtight container.