Nells Tips and Trends

Peppermint Cream Bites: These chocolate and mint layered dessert bars are cut into shapes after the crust is baked and the toppings are chilled. Choose circles, squares, or maybe even stars! Use the remaining crumbs from the cutouts to sprinkle over ice cream. Yummy!! (This is another recipe from Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling (15 cookies)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• And 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 teaspoons shortening

Directions

Preheat The Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan; set aside.

Make the Bottom Layer

In a medium bowl combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on a wire rack.

Make the Filling

Combine powdered sugar and softened butter. Mix until butter is evenly distributed. Add milk and peppermint extract until a paste forms. Spread peppermint mixture evenly over prepared crust. Freeze for 45 minutes.

Next Step

In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine chopped chocolate and shortening. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for about 1 minute or until chocolate is melted, stirring once. Let the chocolate cool for 15 minutes. Pour chocolate over the peppermint layer, spreading evenly. Using the edges of the foil, lift uncut bars out of the pan. Use a 1-1/2-inch round cookie cutter to cut into rounds* or use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Store in the freezer until serving time.

To Store:

Place peppermint bites in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

You can find a lot of variations for this recipe of Peppermint Cream Bites on the internet. One blogger Aimee Shugerman suggests topping finished bites with crushed peppermint candies while chocolate is still wet.

•  
•