Chocolate Mint Tiddlywinks Food

CHOCOLATE MINT VODKA INFUSION

Steps:

• Combine vodka and cocoa beans in a sealable container and store in a warm, dry place. Agitate the mixture 2 or 3 times a day for 1 week. Six hours before serving, add the mint leaves. Strain through a coffee filter into a bottle, seal and store in your freezer.
• Serving suggestion: Serve ice cold without a garnish.

CHOCOLATE MINT BITES

Steps:

• Heat the cream in a medium saucepot over low heat. Smack the mint between your hands to help release the oils; add the mint to the cream. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
• Heat the cream back to a simmer. Place the bittersweet and semisweet chocolate chips in a large bowl and strain the hot mint cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes to let the chocolate melt. Add the salt and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and blended into the cream. Pour into a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and set, 2 hours.
• Using a small round scoop, melon baller or tablespoon measure, scoop out tablespoon-size balls of the chilled chocolate and place on a baking sheet. You'll need some rubber gloves for the next part. Roll each ball in your hands so that it is uniform and smooth, then place back on the baking sheet.
• Place the crushed cookies, chopped nuts and chopped semisweet chocolate in 3 separate dishes. Roll each chocolate ball in one of the coatings, making sure it is completely covered. Place on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving.

WARM CHOCOLATE MINT SAUCE

Steps:

• In the top half of a double boiler, combine the 2 chocolates over simmering water.
• Meanwhile in another small saucepan, heat the water to boiling and pour it over the fresh mint leaves in another bowl. Let steep while the chocolate is melting.
• Using a sieve over a bowl, strain the mint water, reserving the water. Keep the water hot.
• Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted; then whisk in the corn syrup and mint infused hot water (don't remove the double boiler from the heat). Whisk until smooth and shiny. (The sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. To rewarm, stir over low heat or heat in a microwave.)

CHOCOLATE MINT BLITZEN

Steps:

• Make the hot chocolate and allow to cool.
• Microwave the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments until melted.
• Crush 1 of the mini candy canes and place in a small bowl or saucer.
• Dip the rims of two martini glasses in the chocolate, then the crushed peppermint.
• Add the peppermint vodka, chocolate liqueur and cooled hot chocolate to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into the rimmed glasses. Garnish with the 2 remaining mini candy canes and serve.

CHOCOLATE MINT BROWNIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch pan.
• Cream together the sugar and softened butter. Stir in the flour and mix well. Add the chocolate syrup, eggs, salt, and vanilla and mix everything well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool.
• For the mint topping: Mix the confectioners' sugar, melted butter, and creme de menthe together until smooth. Let cool slightly and spread over the cooled brownies.
• For the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips in the butter and pour over the mint topping. Let the brownies and toppings cool completely and cut into 2-inch squares.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch pan.
• Cream together the sugar and softened butter. Stir in the flour and mix well. Add the chocolate syrup, eggs, salt, and vanilla and mix everything well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool.
• For the mint topping: Mix the confectioners' sugar, melted butter, and creme de menthe together until smooth. Let cool slightly and spread over the cooled brownies.
• For the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips in the butter and pour over the mint topping. Let the brownies and toppings cool completely and cut into 2-inch squares.

CHOCOLATE-MINT TIDDLYWINKS

Steps:

• Lay a sheet of parchment or a nonstick baking mat (smooth side up) on a work surgace. Place the mint leaves on the sheet, face down, 2 in apart. Melt the chocolate, use a spoon or pastry bag to cover each mint leaf with a teaspoon of melted chocolate. Working carefully, place another baking mat over the first one. Gently press down directly on top of each leaf to spread the chocolate around the leaf, making a border about 1/4 in wide all around (don't worry if they're not very neat). Let the chocolate set for at least 1 hr, until firm. Gently peel off the acetate. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve with the mint leaves showing.