peppermint

Chocolate Swirl Peppermint Fudge

peppermint fudge

Me and the kidlets have been spending lot’s of time in the kitchen this week making sweets for goody baskets and Christmas celebrations. All the gifts have been bought, many of them are wrapped and tucked under the tree. All that’s left is the fun stuff – cooking and baking! I tried not to take on too much this year because I tend to go overboard with my expectations of what I can get done. I think I finally found the right balance, but we’ll see… ;)

I think this would be a great addition to your cookie platters and gift baskets. It’s easy, quick and tastes divine. Yes, it uses a ton of chocolate, but it makes a lot, and one of these little babies is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are just as fudge should be – rich, fudgy and indulgent. And, the peppermint makes them a great little after dinner mint/sweet.


Chocolate Swirl Peppermint Fudge

Make sure to use baking chocolate/chips not regular chocolate chips, the regular ones don’t melt as easily as baking chocolate.

  • 22 oz. white baking chocolate, chopped (or baking chips)
  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 3/4 cup dark (or bittersweet) chocolate baking chips

Place white chocolate and milk in a large saucepan set over low heat. Cook, stirring often, until melted and smooth. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour half of the white chocolate mixture into an 8×8 inch pan that’s been lined with foil and lightly greased. Sprinkle over 1/2 cup dark chocolate baking chips. Pour remaining white chocolate over top and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Wait a minute or two, until the chips have softened (if they have trouble softening stick the pan in a slightly warm oven). Swirl the mixtures together with a knife until you have a marbled pattern. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Slice into 1 inch squares, to serve. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. (Or store, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days.)

Makes approximately: 64 servings


Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.

Peppermint Mocha Granola

peppermint mocha granola

I’ve gotten into the habit of making a different granola recipe each month, depending on the flavours of the season. My family loves granola and it’s pretty hard to get sick of it when you’re having new flavours all the time.

December is the month of peppermint so naturally the first flavour combination to come to mind was peppermint mocha. After that idea popped into my head there was no going back. And, I have to say I was quite happy with the results. It’s a slightly indulgent, yet healthy way to start the day – all the flavour of a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha without the calories.

It also makes a great homemade edible gift, placed in a jar with a cute tag (these are some of my favourites) or a printed recipe card (I think these are super cute and you can fill out the form online). Whether you keep it all to yourself or share some with friends, I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!


Peppermint Mocha Granola

  • 4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup sliced (or slivered) almonds
  • 1/3 cup coconut
  • 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 6 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup instant coffee granules (use decaf for kids)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 4 oz. semi-sweet (or bittersweet) chocolate, chopped

Mix together oats, salt, almonds, coconut and flaxseed in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan combine water, oil, maple syrup, instant coffee, vanilla and peppermint. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and pour over oat mixture. Toss to coat.

Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and line with parchment paper (this will keep the paper from sliding around). Using your hands, squeeze the granola mixture together to create clumps as you transfer it to the baking sheet

Bake at 275ºF for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until browned and crisp (will continue to crisp a bit as it cools).

Allow to cool completely before  stirring in chocolate.  Store in a sealed container for up to one month.

Makes approximately: 8 cups

*Use gluten-free certified oats if making gluten-free.