So we created these tasty little desserts to help out in a fundraiser. It was our first time making them and it was quite interesting trying to figure out the right candy temperature without a candy thermometer… but us being who we are managed! Of course we made like 6 batches in the end and didn’t want to really see anymore peppermint sticks for a little while. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want YOU to enjoy them! Give them a try, they are straightforward and sound impressive!
Peppermint chocolate sticks
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 7 ounces dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Lightly oil a large baking sheet
- Place sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring to a boil and boil rapidly without stirring until the syrup registers 280 F on a sugar thermometer.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and let it set.
- Break up the peppermint mixture into a small bowl and use the end of a rolling pin to crush it into small pieces.
- Melt the chocolate.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the mint pieces and shredded coconut.
- Lay a 12×10 inch sheet of baking parchment on a flat surface.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the paper, leaving a narrow border all around, to make a rectangle measuring about 10 x 8 inches. Let set.
- When firm, use a sharp knife to cut into thin sticks, each about 2 1/2 inches long.
TGIAC Notes
- We didn’t toast our coconut… used it as is…still good!
- We melted the chocolate in a bain marie.
- We never managed to get thin sticks…
Here we are lightly greasing a baking sheet. No we are not getting paid for any product placement…Pepsi and Stella wouldn’t hear anything of it!
Our mascot decided to give a hand on this one. Apparently pouring sugar into water makes candy! Man these stores are ripping us off!
Stir sugar until dissolved.
Bring to a quick boil…this is normally where you use a sugar thermometer, we just waited until the water looked like caramel and figured…hey that looks like candy!
Remove from heat and pour in the peppermint extract.
Pour the mixture onto the greased baking sheet and let set.
Pry off the candied puddle
This really blew off Pedro’s mind!
…then he got a little aggressive and wanted to use his elbow instead of a rolling pin
But cool minds prevailed!
We made candy!
Melt the chocolate…mmmm chocolate!
Once the chocolate has melted, pour in the mint candy and the shredded coconuts
Mix until well blended.
Pour onto a parchment paper and spread until the desired thickness is achieved…we never managed to make sticks
Look! It’s the peppermint coconut version of Boston candy. AHhh we’re kidding… it only looks like this because we never managed to get sticks out of them! No worries though because they still were delightful to munch on! Enjoy!
Have you tried out this recipe? Then we’d like to hear from you! Share your thoughts and tips by leaving us a comment! Thanks from TGIAC!