Just finished playing with my abusive hula hoop and decided it's time to post about the peppermint-patty-making experiment. I still don't have a clue about the texture or taste since I don't eat this sort of thing, but I will report back once I have a verdict.

I think a good response to other people's ambivalence is to make their decisions for them. They then do not have to make a choice because there is no choice left to them anymore. How about that?

"Don't let anyone stand in your way." – "A Postcard to Nina", Jens Lekman

RECIPE
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 cups powdered sugar (or however much it takes to make a dough that is not sticky but not too dry)

Coating
3 cups chocolate
2 teaspoons butter or shortening

Mix the condensed milk with the peppermint until well blended. Then beat in enough sugar to form a stiff, not sticky but not dry, dough. Form 1-inch balls from the dough and flatten them into patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the patties dry at room temperature for at least two hours. Turn them over halfway through to ensure that both sides are dry.

Mix chocolate and butter in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl and melt. Once the chocolate and butter are melted, dip the patties in the melted chocolate mixture and place chocolate-covered patties on a rack over paper (or something to catch any chocolate dripping off the patties — easier cleanup). Let the chocolate set. Store in a cool, dry place.