Peppermint Patties - everything free!

 For those of you with lots of allergies, and who never get to enjoy a regular candy bar, this recipe is for you.  These are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free, egg free, and free of lots of other stuff.  I am not a candy maker, but I can make these.  For those of you who know how to make candy, please don't shudder at my methods, just let me know an easier way or any tips you might have!  Here is the recipe and read on for the methods and substitutions.

Peppermint Patties

2 T. + 2 t. water

1 T. agave/honey

1 t. peppermint extract

3 3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 T. shortening

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Beat together: water, agave, peppermint, and 2 c. powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.  Add shortening and beat well.  Add remaining powdered sugar and mix well.  You should have a dough that won't stick to your fingers, and that you can roll into a ball.  If it is too thick, add a few drops of water; too thin, add a small amount of powdered sugar.

Roll dough into 36 1" balls(or whatever size you want), and place on a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper and use another pan to press down on the balls and flatten them to 1/4-1/2" thick.  I find this the easiest way.  You can also flatten them with a cup or anything else, this just seems to be the fastest and most uniform way.  They should look like picture #1. Throw them in the freezer and now onto the fun part. Time to melt the chocolate.  I dump the bag of chocolate chips in a bowl and place in the microwave.  I do 1 min. intervals and stir after each one until melted. Let cool. When your chocolate is ready, pull your tray of discs out of the freezer and it is time to dip.  I actually have no idea how to really dip chocolates.  Please let me know how you are really supposed to do this!  I wash my hands, grab a disc and drop it in the chocolate, make sure both sides are covered and place it back on the wax paper to harden.  With dripping hands I grab the next disc and repeat until they are all done.  Then I lick my fingers!  If the discs get to soft, throw them back in the freezer for a few minutes.  This makes them a lot easier to work with.   Place chocolate covered patties in the fridge until set.  See picture #2 for the finished product.   I usually store mine in the fridge, but they usually don't last very long!  If you love mint, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the wet chocolate, but  I am too lazy!  Enjoy your chocolate treat this wonderful holiday season!

*Substitutions-

Use Spectrum shortening for a soy free, trans-fat free option

Use Enjoy Life chocolate chips for soy and dairy free

     or just Guitard or Ghiridelli semi-sweet chocolate chips for dairy free

*Check out Linda's Chocolate Roundup for this month's challenge!