Peppermint creams are a candy with a soft, creamy texture and minty flavor. They are traditionally associated with Christmas celebrations and can be made with basic ingredients like egg whites, sweetener, and peppermint extract. The dough is rolled out and cut into circles, left to harden overnight, and can be decorated with food coloring or dipped in chocolate. They have a rich history in Scotland and are sold prepackaged year-round.
Peppermint creams are a type of candy flavored with peppermint extracts. These candies have a soft, creamy texture similar to nougat or fudge. In some cultures, peppermint spreads are closely associated with certain Christmas celebrations and are a traditional part of holiday menus. They have also spread to other areas, where they are simply enjoyed as a minty treat any time of the year. Most people are probably most familiar with this candy in the form of a mass-produced, chocolate-coated version that’s only slightly smaller than a compact disc.
Most recipes for peppermint spreads call for only the basic ingredients. Traditional versions start with the whites of a raw egg, though people interested in the potential health impact of raw eggs can switch to condensed or plain milk instead. A sweetener such as confectioners’ sugar or molasses is also included, although this can take the form of powdered sugar or even icing in some recipes. Finally, peppermint oil or extract is used to add a minty flavor. Some users may also add mints like spearmint or wintergreen for variety.
To make mint creams, chefs mix eggs or milk with the selected sweetener. These ingredients should be mixed together until a thick paste is formed. Next, a few drops of peppermint are added a few at a time until the right taste is achieved. The dough is rolled out like cookie dough and small circles are cut out using a cookie cutter to form the custards. All mint creams should be left to sit overnight so they can harden and form the right consistency.
Some people may choose to add colorful food coloring to these creams to create a festive look. They can also be cut into any number of unique shapes using cookie cutters or even a knife. Many parents have a tradition of making mint creams with kids, as they are easy for kids to make. Completed custards can also be dipped or covered in melted chocolate for added flavor.
While no one knows exactly when and where peppermint creams originated, they have a rich history in Scotland and other Celtic regions. Just as peppermint cane has long been associated with Christmas, peppermint cremes play a long-standing role in Christmas and Easter celebrations in some areas. These treats can also be enjoyed year-round, as many are sold prepackaged at grocery and candy stores. Most commercial versions feature a dark chocolate coating designed to complement the mint flavor.
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