Have Yourself a Minty Little Christmas

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Dec 2008 08:15 AM

Chocolate and mint seem to go hand-in-hand, especially during the holiday season. After all, who can say no to a chocolate covered peppermint stick or a multi-layer mint-filled chocolate brownie?

The following minty desserts are ideal to serve to holiday guests on a cold December day. Simply pair them with a mug of hot chocolate and the winter blues will melt away in an instant.

MINT CHOCOLATE BISCOTTI

Ingredients:

3/4 butter, softened

3/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

3 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup crushed peppermint candy

Ingredients for Dip:

2 cups (12 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stir in peppermint candy. Gradually add to creamed mixture, beating until blended.

Divide dough in half. On ungreased baking sheet, roll each portion into a 12-inch by 2 1/2-inch rectangles. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove to wire racks, cool for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board, cut diagonally with a sharp knife into 1/2-inch slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stir until smooth. Dip one end of each cookie in chocolate, roll in candy. Place on waxed paper until set.

Serve with hot chocolate or other warm holiday beverage.

PEPPERMINT DESSERT

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons white sugar

4 to 6 drops red food coloring

1 teaspoon honey

4 martini glasses

1 gallon peppermint ice cream

1/4 cup crushed candy canes

4 whole candy canes or sticks

Whipped cream

Shaved chocolate and mint sprigs for garnish

Directions:

In a shallow bowl mix together sugar and red food coloring.

Add honey to rims of martini glasses and roll in colored sugar to coat the edges.

Scoop ice cream into glasses. Sprinkle with crushed candies, then add a candy cane or peppermint stick. Next, sprinkle with a little red colored sugar and garnish with chocolate and mint sprigs.

Related Articles:

A Dinner Made of Chocolate: Chocolate Chicken and Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Mint Chocolate Treats

All About Chocolate

How to Have a Chocolate Covered Christmas

Homemade Fortune Cookies

Rocky Road Mud Cookies

Have a Merry Choco-Christmas

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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