Prize-winning Peppermint Patties

Nora entered these in the county fair and came home with Best of Show and a ten pound bag of sugar. They are delicious and easy to make. When we went to pick up our things the judges were very interested in obtaining the recipe. The original recipe is from the kitchn.com, we leave out the shortening.2 cups powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cream
8 ounces (about 1-1/3 cup) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. With a mixer, cream together the sugar, butter, extracts, and cream on low speed. After the ingredients are combined, raise the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until mixture holds together very well and is creamy, not powdery.

Using a teaspoon, roll the candy into small balls and flatten them on the wax paper with the palm of your hand into patty shapes. When done, put them in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.

Using dipping tools or two dinner forks, dip the patties into the chocolate one by one. Drag them across the lip of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Return them to the wax paper, and place back in the refrigerator to set the candies. They should be ready to eat in a few hours.

These need to be kept in the refrigerator. Layer the patties between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They will keep for a month if you can keep from eating them.