If you are like me, the words "soft-ball stage"
fill you with fear and confusion. Just because you don't
own a candy thermometer is no reason for you to be deprived
of homemade candy! Peppermint Patties are as refreshing
to eat as the are easy to make. They taste just like
a York Peppermint Patty, only better.
14 oz. can sweetened
condensed milk
6 cups powdered sugar,
plus extra for working surface
1 Tbsp. peppermint extract
1 1/2 lbs. dark candy dipping
chocolate
red or green food coloring,
if desired
In
a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, extract
and food coloring. Add powdered sugar; beat on low speed
with an electric mixer until ingredients are well mixed.
Turn
mixture onto a surface sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Knead lightly to form a smooth ball. Working in batches,
roll the the mixture until 1/4 inch thick. Using a 1
1/2" to 2" biscuit cutter, cut out the the
mixture into circles or other shapes. Transfer them
to a cookie sheet lined with wax paper using a thin
metal spatula. Continue until all of the batches are
gone. Let patties dry for 1 hour;
turn over and let dry at least 1 hour.
Place
dipping chocolate in a large Pyrex measuring cup or
microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave
for another minute, stirring every 20 seconds, or until
mixture is smooth. Using angled tongs, drop the patties
into the chocolate, turn over, coating completely and
transfer to a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Let
stand until firm. Store in an airtight container at
room temperature or in the refrigerator.
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