Quick and Easy Peppermint Treats

Christmas is quickly approaching and many of you are probably thinking about doing some Christmas baking for your various family and friend gatherings.  If, like me, you enjoy making elegant looking treats that are both delicious and easy to prepare, then the following list of peppermint-themed treats may be appealing to you.  You can enjoy these yummy Christmas treats that you can make either alone or with the kids. With a minimal amount of baking, if any, they are easy for everyone to help out.

Oreo Peppermint Truffles

8oz. Cream cheese, softened

1lb. Box of Oreo cookies, or equivalent
1/4c. Finely crushed candy canes
2c. Dark, semi-sweet or white chocolate, melted

Mix cream cheese, candy canes and about 3/4 of the Oreo crumbs well. Shape into approximately 48 balls and place in the freezer until very firm, at least an hour. Dip in melted chocolate, sprinkle with extra cookie crumbs or peppermint pieces. Place on waxed paper sheets. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm.

Peppermint Bark

12oz. Dark chocolate chips
12oz. White chocolate chips

1 box candy canes, coarsely chopped

Line a 10x7 baking dish with wax paper, wrapping around the top and taping to the edges to hold in place. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or with a double boiler. Spread evenly in the pan. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Next, melt the white chocolate and spread on top of the dark chocolate. While still wet, sprinkle the top with the chopped candy canes. Refrigerate until firm and break into “bark-like” pieces.

Peppermint Meringues

2 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with foil. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until shiny with stiff peaks. Drop by spoonfuls 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the cookies.  Bake for 1-1/2 hours. Meringues should be completely dry on the inside. Do not allow them to brown. Turn off oven. Keep oven door ajar, and let meringues sit in the oven until completely cool. Loosen from foil with metal spatula.

Peppermint Chocolate Spoons

40 plastic spoons of your choice in color

12 oz. dark chocolate candy melts

1/2c. Finely chopped candy canes

Melt chocolate wafers in the microwave or with a double boiler. Spread a piece of wax paper out on your counter or table. Dip the spoons into the chocolate to thoroughly coat, going a few inches up the handle. Sprinkle with candy cane pieces and place on the waxed paper to dry. Wrap up as a gift by tying several together with a ribbon and placing into a bag. These are delicious when used to stir your coffee or hot chocolate.