PEPPERMINT PATTIES, FIRST GOODY OF THE 2014 SEASON

Well this was an adventure that lasted three days and in the end we had Peppermint Patties but not without trial and error and finally a new recipe.  Awhile back two of us took a candy making class at Rachael Dunn Chocolates in Concord, CA.  It was a fun class but it was really an experience, that let us dip different candies and then take home a goodie plate.  We really didn't learn how to make chocolates.  Our centers were already made, our chocolate already melted and all we did was dip.  Not to knock it, we had fun and got the recipes so I would recommend it.
So today we decided to give the Vintage Peppermint Creams a try, then we tried again and finally the next day my friend tried it yet one more time.  And well, none of them worked.  It was a total bust, sticky mess that didn't give us the results we expected.  Unfortunately we couldn't determine what went wrong, was our thermometer working, did it heat up enough or too much, did we let it rest long enough, did we not kneed it correctly, what was our problem.  Some of it was so sticky you couldn't kneed it.  By the third day it was hard as a rock and on the yellow side but after sitting out for a few hours it began to soften and we though maybe it was OK but as it rested it started to loose its shape and some of it was so stuck to the plastic wrap it had to be tossed.  Fortunately on day two I tried a new recipe, the one listed below.  It was quick, no cooking and oh so easy.  The only thing I would do next time is add a few more drops of peppermint to equal a possible teaspoon.  The first batch I used 12 drops, and the second I used 15 but it still could have used a tad more I think.  The recipe I used suggested 2 t. but since I used oil there is no way this is correct.



PEPPERMINT PATTY
2 ¼ C. powdered sugar
2 T. unsalted butter, softened
2 T. heavy cream
¼ t. peppermint oil (not extract)
lb. Belgium bittersweet chocolate (64%)

In an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, at medium speed (4 or so) beat all ingredients till they come together and form a ball, or you are able to push it together like play dough.  At first it will be dry and crumbly but don't worry, it will come together.  Scrape up any powered sugar that is stuck to the bowl and mix it in.  Once together remove from bowl and place on a sheet of plastic wrap and roll it into a 1" log or the size you want your mints to be.  Wrap in plastic wrap, twisting ends and place in a paper towel tube to maintain round shape and wrap that in more plastic wrap.  Place in refrigerator overnight.  When ready, unwrap mint and slice into ¼" coins and lay on a piece of parchment paper.  In a large pot that you can place a glass bowl on top, add about an inch of water, heat to a simmer.  Water should not touch the bottom of the bowl and water should not boil.  Place glass bowl on top of pan.  Place ¾ pound of chocolate into glass bowl and let simmer.  When you start to see it melting, stir.  When all is melted remove from heat and add remaining ¼ lb. of chocolate and stir till melted.

Dipping:  Remove bowl from pan and place on a hot pad and begin dipping.  Drop your mint coin into the chocolate, flip it over, then scoop it out.  I use a candy fork, which has only two tines and they are longer but you can use a candy loop or even a regular fork if you don't have one of these.  What I found is that less tines touching the candy makes for a smoother finish.  Let excess chocolate drip off over the bowl, even tapping the fork on the bowl to help it drip off.  Move over to the parchment paper, place end of fork onto paper and wiggle off the candy.  Do  not flip it over because the bottom won't be as smooth.

Decorate:  If you like before the chocolate dries sprinkle mints with candy sprinkles or crushed candy canes.  Shown here with white non perils or colored sprinkles.

Notes:  Peppermint oil is different than what you will find in the grocery store called peppermint extract.  Peppermint oil is much stronger so less is needed.  I found mine at Rachel Dunn Chocolates, a candy store in Concord or you can find it online at your local craft or candy store.  Chocolate chips don't melt as well, we tried that doo, too thick.  If you can't find good chocolate use the candy coating chocolate that you use for bark.  You can find this at Walmart or craft stores.