Friday, December 18, 2009


Peppermint Meltaways

with a TWIST

I spent the morning at my daughter's school for their Christmas Sing program. It's fun to see all these little people singing their hearts out to songs that really speak to them. Rudolph. Jingle Bells. We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Do you remember absolutely loving those songs? I Do.

This week, I loved listening to my kindergartener practice "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" and giggle every time. "Mommy, what if daddy saw you kiss Santa Clause?" She thinks it's the funniest song 'cause of all the mooshy kissing and tickling, and the scandal of it all!

My second grader loved singing about snow days and no school. And man, she can really swing her hips!

I came home humming Christmas songs and feeling very festive. What do I do when I feel festive? I put my apron on! (and my 2 yr. old's apron on too, he loves to help) I made these cookies the other day with white frosting and they were really pretty. But today, I made these with my girls in mind. We went colorful. I also used eggnog instead of milk in the frosting. Quite tasty and pretty.

So, put on some Christmas music and an apron and bake these little delights!


Peppermint Meltaways

1 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 t. peppermint extract
1-1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. cornstarch


FROSTING:

2 T. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 T. milk or eggnog
1/4 t. peppermint extract
2-3 drops food coloring, optional
1/2 c. crushed peppermint candies

* In a small bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

* Shape into 1" balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes - just until bottoms are beginning to brown. Cool completely.

* In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, milk or eggnog, extract and food coloring; beat until smooth. Pipe or spread onto cooled cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies.

* Makes 30 - 36 cookies.