Peppermint Patties

If someone had told me about how easy it is to make peppermint patties, I'd have laughed and never believed them. Good thing I found out for myself! I ended up making two batches of the patties, since my family ate the entire first batch the day I made them. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the peppermints when I had the chance, but by the time it occured to me, these babies were gone again! I did include them on my cookie trays though, so if you look, you can see the dark chocolate candy sitting near the top of the tray. I can't wait to make these patties again!

Peppermint Patties

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. softened butter

2 tsp. peppermint extract

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbsp. cream

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (about 1 1/3 cup)

1 tbsp. vegetable shortening

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. In a medium bowl, blend together sugar, butter, extracts, and cream on low speed. After blended, increase mixer speed to medium high and beat an additional 2 minutes or until mixture is creamy.

Using about a teaspoon size, roll candy into small balls and place on wax paper. Using your thumb, press top of ball down but do not flatten all the way. When completed, place cookie sheet into refrigerator and chill for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt chocolate and shortening in microwave (on 50% power) or over a double boiler until melted.

Using dipping tools or two forks, dip the candy into the chocolate one at a time. Remove excess chocolate by scraping bottom of candy on the side of the bowl. Place back on cookie sheet and refridgerate to harden chocolate. Store patties in the refrigerator.

Make about 36. Recipe is easily doubled.

"The only real way to look younger is not to be born so soon."

-Peppermint Patty from Charlie Brown