Step aside cinnamon. Peppermint is the stand-out spice of the season and even has a special day dedicated to the flavor. National Candy Cane Day is coming up on December 26th and gives candy lovers a day to celebrate the red and white striped candies found abundantly during the holidays.
Whether you pop a minty marshmallow in your hot cocoa or snack on scrumptious pink-striped meringues, peppermint makes the perfect way to end an evening in front of a warm fire. Gather your candy canes up from your stocking or pluck one from the tree and dig into these peppermint inspired recipes to whip up in your NEMA San Francisco kitchen:
Peppermint Ribbon Cake: This dish will instantly dress up your dessert table. A classic white cake mix is infused with peppermint extract and topped with a thick white glaze.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Fortune Cookies: Use restaurant fortune cookies to make these easy treats at the last minute.
Candy Cane Brownie Trifle: Make your trifle feel even fancier by serving it in wine glasses. The individual servings allow everyone to enjoy it at the same time.
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate: Change out your typical hot chocolate for one made with white chocolate chips and both vanilla and peppermint extracts. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Boozy Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate. This boozy frozen hot chocolate is perfect for any chocolate-peppermint lover. It's got all the frostiness and flavor you'd expect.
Peppermint Cheesecake Dip: A good dip is the ultimate appetizer for a group. This one, made with cream cheese, peppermint fluff and peppermint chips, goes with anything from pretzels to graham crackers.
Peppermint Bark Popcorn: This Christmas Eve, curl up with a Christmas classic and nom on this peppermint-inspired popcorn. Drizzle it with melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
Peppermint Bark Cookies. The combination of white peppermint bark atop a chocolate cookie base equals the ultimate holiday treat. You can also break the giant sheet into pieces, just like you would with traditional bark.
Double-Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti: One of the yummiest flavor combinations - chocolate and mint - come together in this biscotti recipe. Crushed peppermint candy makes a pretty and crunchy topper.
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Spoons. Turn candy canes into an extra-special treat by molding them into spoons and topping with chocolate and other goodies.
Peppermint Swirl Fudge: Indulge in candy-shop flavor with these rich swirled squares. For a touch of holiday color, add crushed peppermint candies.
Candy Cane Mini Donuts: Store-bought donuts plus store-bought icing plus crushed candy canes equals these terrific frosted cake donuts.
Candy Cane Pavlova. We can’t think of a better bowl for ice cream than this edible one, made of red-and-white-striped peppermint meringue.
Peppermint Divinity. Making this vintage candy recipe should become a holiday tradition. The usual recipe has been modified by swapping out the nuts for crushed peppermint candies.
Has your candy cane crush kicked in yet? Next time you see a candy cane hanging from a tree, your mind will be spinning with ideas on how to bring these peppermint swirled magic treats into your holiday traditions lineup. Want to make your own, try this recipe. Happy Holidays!
Image credit: Photo by Brigitte Tohm..
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