PEPPERMINT BISCOTTI

I know it's almost February, but I didn't want to wait until next holiday season to share this recipe....cuz, these are really tasty.  Actually, you don't have to take my word for it, I've heard back from many of the people I gifted these to and they unanimously gave them two thumbs up!   I love a cookie that tastes good AND has great eye appeal and these hit both of those marks and then some.

I plan to try one modification in my next batch and that is to try baking them on parchment paper since I did get a bit of peppermint candy that oozed out in places, which made it difficult to remove some of them from the baking sheet and the clean-up took some effort.   Thanks to Taste of Home for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsps. peppermint extract
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

Frosting

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp. shortening
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions:

• In a large bowl cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in extract.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir in peppermint candy.  Gradually add to creamed mixture, beating until blended (dough will be stiff). 
• Divide dough in half.  On an ungreased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 12-in x 2 1/2 in. rectangle.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Carefully remove to wire racks; cool for 15 minutes.  Transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a sharp knife into 1/2-in. slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm. 
• To frost, melt the chips and shortening using the microwave; drizzle chocolate over the cooled cookies-roll or sprinkle the crushed peppermint over the tops while the chocolate is still warm.  

You know...these could work for a sweet Valentine's treat with the red and white colors in them; wrap them in a fun box with some hearts and bows and you're set....or, just make a batch for yourself and call it good.  Enjoy!