Take a Break: Make Patriotic Peppermint Patties

The 4^th of July is just a few days away so time for a treat that will make your mouth sparkle just like the night sky. Peppermint patties are easy to make and can be dyed red and blue.

Basic recipe:

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

2 T softened butter-can use Smart Balance or similar product for vegan and dairy free friends

2 t peppermint extract

In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients and beat until the mixture comes together. It will be dry and crumbly as you start mixing it. Turn the mixer speed higher and beat until the candy comes together and is light and creamy. When you touch it, it should be soft but not at all sticky. You want it to be the consistency of Play-Doh. If it sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach the Play-Doh consistency.

Select one of the following options:

• Divide the candy into thirds, adding blue food coloring to one and red to another. Mold each section into a tube shape, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about 45 minutes. Once firm, use a sharp knife and slice off round about ¼ inch thick.

• Don’t add food coloring and just roll the candy into a log and refrigerate. After it’s chilled for 45 minutes, slice and dip halfway into blue and red melted chocolates. You don’t have to buy colored chocolate wafers. Instead use melted white chocolate and add a little bit of oil along with food coloring.

• Add red or blue food coloring to the candy, chill, slice and then dip halfway into melted white chocolate and before it dries, sprinkle colored sugar so that each candy has red, white and blue.

You can melt white chocolate chips in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring to avoid burning. Add the food coloring, with a little oil, after the chocolate is melted.

Happy 4^th of July!

Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas.