Chocolate Peppermint Candies Food

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK - CHRISTMAS

Steps:

• Line a 9x12 pan with parchment paper.
• Melt the dark chocolate (use the method you prefer, either double boiler, or microwave - cook 30 seconds in a heat-proof bowl, stir and repeat until you have a smooth consistency.
• Pour the melted dark chocolate on the parchment paper, spread the chocolate out until it is about 1/3" thick. You can do this by hitting the pan on the countertop repeatedly, or maybe you could use a spatula to spread the chocolate.
• Melt the white chocolate, using the steps above. After the chocolate is smooth, pour it on top of the dark chocolate - trying to make the layers the same thickness. (it's best to do this step while the white chocolate is still very soft -- I've had them separate when I broke them into pieces, I think the layers "stick" together better if the white chocolate has not hardened).
• Unwrap the starlite mints, or peppermints of your choice and put them into a heavy duty ziplock bag. Using a hammer or meat tenderizer - crush the mints then, while the white chocolate is still melted sprinkle on top.
• Let the chocolates harden in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then break the candy into pieces. This needs to be stored in the refrgerator if you live in a warm/humid climate.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES

Steps:

• For the cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a mixer beat together the butter with the sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add in the vanilla. On a low speed beat in the flour mixture a little at a time. Gently mix in chocolate chips.
• On an ungreased cookie sheet, drop teaspoons of the batter about 2 inches apart. Bake until just cracked on top, about 8 to10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the cooking time. Cool completely.
• For the glaze: In a small bowl mix together the sugar; mint extract and water until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium resealable plastic bag and snip off the corner. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let cookies stand until set, about 10 minutes.

PEPPERMINT CANDY DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Steps:

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl on medium-high speed until fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and beat to combine.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Scoop slightly mounded tablespoons of the dough and roll into balls. Arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Sprinkle and press some of the crushed peppermint candies on top of each mound of chilled dough. Bake until the cookies are set and golden on the bottom, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CANDIES

Steps:

• Spray the ice cube tray with cooking spray.
• Sprinkle a bit of crushed candy cane in the bottom of each tray to serve as the topping.
• Melt 2 cups of the white chocolate candy melts and pour about 2 tablespoons into each tray. Tilt the entire tray in all directions to coat the sides. Place in freezer to set.
• Melt the other 1/2 cup of white chocolate with the heavy cream, peppermint extract and food coloring. Pour evenly into the trays. Place back in freezer to set.
• Cover with remaining melted white chocolate. Place in refrigerator for about 1 hour until set.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy. , Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with additional candy if desired. , Bake at 350° for 9-10 minutes or until cookies spring back when lightly touched. Remove to wire racks to cool.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PEPPERMINT COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Beat together the butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar.
• Beat in the eggs, vanilla and almond extract.
• Combine the baking soda, salt and flour in a small bowl. Gradually beat this mixture into the creamed mixture.
• Beat well.
• Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
• Drop onto lightly greased cookie sheets by tsps; keeping 2" apart.
• Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes or until lightly golden brown around edges.

DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 15x10x1-in. pan with parchment; set aside. , In a double boiler or metal bowl over hot water, melt baking chips until 2/3 are melted. Remove from heat; stir in peppermint oil until smooth. Spread into prepared pan. Melt dark chocolate chips in another bowl. Drizzle over top of white layer; cut through mixtures with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with peppermint candies (pan will not be full). Refrigerate until firm, 15-20 minutes. Break or cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container.