PEPPERMINT CHRISTMAS TREE RECIPES

Steps:

• Place candy canes or peppermint candies in a large, resealable plastic bag. Seal bag and pound using a rolling pin or a heavy skillet until coarsely crushed. Transfer crushed candies to a small plate.
• Stir together sugar and water in a small, shallow bowl until well combined. Dip rim of a standard (7½-ounce) martini glass in mixture, then into crushed candies to lightly coat.
• Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add schnapps, vodka, and liqueur. Place lid on shaker, and shake until well combined and chilled, 1 to 2 minutes. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with candy cane. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine condensed milk and peppermint extract. Beat in enough confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, to form a stiff dough that is no longer sticky. Form into 1 inch balls, then place on waxed paper and flatten with fingers to form patties. Let patties dry at room temperature two hours, turning once.
• In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with shortening, stirring often. Remove from heat. Dip patties, one at a time, into chocolate by laying them on the tines of a fork and lowering the fork into the liquid. Let cool on waxed paper until set.