Peppermint Patties

Nicaraguan Peppermint Patties Recipe with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Pecans

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 24

Introduction

Peppermint Patties are a classic sweet treat that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with a smooth, creamy texture. These homemade candies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are great for sharing with friends and family.

History

Peppermint Patties have been a popular confection for many years, with their origins dating back to the early 1900s. The recipe for these sweet treats has been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

14 oz (397 g) can of sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp of peppermint extract
12 drops of red food color
1.5 to 2 16 oz (454 g) packages of confectioners' sugar
1.5 cups of pecan halves

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and food color.
Using a spoon, stir in 1.5 packages of confectioners' sugar.
On a cutting board generously sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, gradually knead in enough additional sugar until the mixture forms a smooth, firm ball that doesn't stick to hands or the board. (You will need a lot of sugar for this part.)
Pat the mixture into an 8" x 8" square.
Using a knife, cut the square into 1-inch squares.
Shape each piece into a ball and flatten it into a 2-inch patty using your fingers.
Optional: Top each patty with a pecan half.
Repeat the process with the remaining pieces. (Keep the pieces covered with plastic wrap while preparing the patties.)
Let the patties dry for at least 1 hour.

Variations

Try using different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, for a different flavor profile.
Add crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips to the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a generous amount of confectioners' sugar when kneading the mixture to prevent it from sticking to your hands and the cutting board.

- Let the patties dry for at least 1 hour to ensure they hold their shape and have the perfect texture.

- Store the finished patties in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peppermint Patties as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack throughout the day. They also make a great gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the mixture with confectioners' sugar is the key technique in making Peppermint Patties. Be sure to add enough sugar to achieve the right consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use almonds or walnuts as a substitute. You can also omit the nuts altogether if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Peppermint Patties can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Peppermint Patties on a decorative platter or in a gift box for a beautiful presentation. You can also wrap them individually in colorful foil for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Peppermint Patties with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk for a classic and delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Peppermint Patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. There is no need to reheat them before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peppermint Patties contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peppermint Patties contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peppermint Patties contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Peppermint Patties contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peppermint Patties are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Peppermint Patties contain dairy and nuts (pecans).

Summary

Peppermint Patties are a sweet treat that is relatively low in calories and fat, making them a great option for those looking for a indulgent dessert.

Summary

Peppermint Patties are a classic sweet treat that is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a smooth, creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, these homemade candies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Peppermint Patties. It was many years ago, a young girl just beginning to discover the joy of cooking and baking. My grandmother, who was a skilled cook and baker herself, had just handed me a tattered old recipe card with the words "Peppermint Patties" scrawled across the top in faded ink.

I had never heard of Peppermint Patties before, but the name alone conjured up images of sweet, minty goodness. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making them. My grandmother had received the recipe from a friend of a friend who had brought them to a church potluck many years ago. She had been kind enough to share it with me, knowing my love for all things sweet.

I set to work gathering the ingredients - powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and chocolate - and following the instructions on the card. The process was relatively simple, but I found myself getting lost in the methodical mixing and shaping of the patties. Each one formed into a perfect round disk, coated in a layer of rich chocolate.

The aroma of peppermint filled the kitchen as the patties chilled in the refrigerator. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the leftover filling, the cool mint melting on my tongue. It was pure bliss. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire.

As the patties hardened, I carefully dipped each one in melted chocolate, coating them evenly before setting them aside to set. The finished product was a sight to behold - glossy chocolate shells surrounding creamy mint centers. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends.

The first bite of a Peppermint Patty was like a revelation. The smooth, minty filling melted in my mouth, the chocolate shell giving way to creamy sweetness. I was hooked. From that day on, Peppermint Patties became a regular treat in our household, a reminder of that first magical batch I had made with my grandmother's guidance.

Over the years, I tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a touch more peppermint extract or experimenting with different types of chocolate. Each batch was a labor of love, a reminder of the joy that cooking and baking brought into my life.

As I grew older, I continued to collect recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each one told a story, a connection to someone or something that had touched my life in some way. And each recipe I tried became a part of my own culinary journey, a reflection of the memories and experiences I had accumulated over the years.

But the recipe for Peppermint Patties always held a special place in my heart. It was the first recipe that had sparked my love for baking, the first taste of success in the kitchen. And every time I made a batch, I couldn't help but think back to that moment of wonder and excitement when I first laid eyes on the tattered old recipe card.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find the same joy and inspiration in making these Peppermint Patties as I did all those years ago. May they fill your home with the sweet aroma of mint and chocolate, and may they bring you closer to the ones you love. And remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about creating memories and sharing them with others. So go forth and bake, my dear, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter, love, and the delicious scent of freshly baked treats.