11.27.2012

Chocolate and Peppermint Stars


Well, I'm back, sort of. First the move and then a trip to NYC to see my daughter. I will be sure to tell you about the restaurants when I have time. Deeeeevine! 

As far as the move is concerned, you really don't want to know what the house looks like. No boxes unpacked, furniture stacked in the middle of rooms while painters are working. Will I be ready for Christmas? I doubt it. Isn't there a movie called The Nightmare Before Christmas? It applies here.  :)

Anyway....I do have lots of Christmas cookie recipes to post. Here's the first:

Are you impressed with that photo? I knew you would be. These actually came out perfectly....no screw ups. First attempt, too. I'm not certain, but I think I found this recipe last year; the link doesn't seem to work, that's why I'm in doubt. Of course, it's Martha Stewart. And my best guess is it was in her magazine, Living. Whether you like her or not, she sure knows how to throw a holiday! It was great fun making these and they taste fabulous....this from someone who doesn't even like chocolate! But there's something about peppermint and chocolate teamed that gets me every time.

Chocolate and Peppermint Stars

From 
Martha Stewart




Ingredients: 
20 round hard peppermint candies
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:
Finely grind peppermint candies in a food processor. 

Whisk together flour, cocoa, and salt in a bowl.

Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg, vanilla and beat for 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in flour mixture. until combined,about 2 minutes. Shape dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

Roll out dough to a 1/8 in. thickness on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minuts.

Preheat oven to 325. Using a cookie cutter that has a smaller counterpart to use for removing the interior space. Cut out shapes and transfer to a parchent lined baking sheets. Space about 1 in. apart. bake until slightly firm, 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven and fill the center of each cookie with ground peppermints. Bake until candy melts, about 6 minutes. Let cookies cool on sheets set on wire rack for 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack and let cool completely.

Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw before using.

Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

Linzer cookie cutters are good for these cookies.

Yeild will vary depending on the cookie cutter used.


25 comments:

  1. I can't even fathom going though a move just before the holidays, Barbara. You are a stalwart soul :)

    I love these cookies! They truly are beautiful and would be wonderful on a holiday cookie platter.

    Good luck with the painting and unpacking!

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  2. I remember a major move on December 15 when the children were still young. It actually worked with lots of planning. Wishing you the best of luck as you settle.

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  3. Love these cookie stars Barbara!!

    Im happy you come back!"!!

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  4. Welcome back!! Cool chocolate peppermint star!

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  5. Oh wow, these look so pretty! Now I want to make them too...

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  6. So pretty and festive!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  7. These cookies are the ones I want to be baking with Marie, my adorable 8-year old niece who is planning to be a chef. Love them! Good luck with the move, I am sure when it is all done you will be so happy and relieved.

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  8. So glad you are back Barbara. Looking forward to hearing about New York. I'm amazed that you had time to make such beautiful cookies.

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  9. These are terrific! I love them! And congrats to you for being done with the move. Moving just...sucks.

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  10. Welcome back, happy new home and pass those cookies. (Actually, I'm glad you can't. I have a dress to squeeze into on the 13th!)

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  11. sounds like...controlled chaos. :)
    GREAT cookies, perfect for the holidays. i can't wait to hear about ny!

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  12. New home with a full cookie jar - perfect :D

    Cheers
    CCU

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  13. What a perfect addition to a cookie platter. Once the painters are gone
    things will quickly fall into place. It may not be the Christmas you carry in your head, but you'll have Christmas in your new home. I can't wait to hear about NYC. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and blessings...Mary

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  14. I am glad to hear that you are finally back! We missed you & your tasty recipes heaps!!! xxx

    These special filled stars look amazing! Such beauty too! Not to mention: so appetizing looking!

    We don't have candy canes over here,..What else could I use for the filling?????

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  15. Wow, these cookies are stunning!! SO perfect!!

    Good luck with the moving :)

    Sues

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  16. These stars are so festive and irresistible!
    You still have time to bake soon after the move? wow...you are a super woman!

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  17. Chocolate and mint is one of my favorite combinations. I just happen to be getting organized for a cookie swap in a week and these might be just the thing. Thanks for posting!

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  18. So pretty! Such a fun idea. Good luck with the boxes.

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  19. You're right - your cookies look absolutely perfect! Such pretty stars.

    It's a hard time of year to be unpacking, but I wish you a peaceful month of putting your life in order. So glad you had a wonderful time in New York!

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  20. The most beautiful Christmas cookies ever!

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  21. Oh, you DID it! You moved! Hooray! The hardest part is over. And you even managed to squeeze in a trip to NYC. Haha, girl, you do everything with pizzaz. :)

    These cookies are absolutely gorgeous! And you are right, chocolate and peppermint, best friends.

    You make me see stars. xo

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  22. Hello Babraba! Oh I have been away for too long. Glad your move went well and the stars look amazing. Looking forward to catchig up on all the posts I've missed :)

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  23. These are so cute and totally festive!

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