The Candyland Peppermint Forest

I loved the game Candyland as a child, and last month I played the game with my nephew, Jack, for the first time together (he had his own rules, which was rather cute). My favorite spot on the board is the Peppermint Forest.

Right now, my apartment smells like one!

The second cookie I chose to make for supper club is Chocolate Peppermint Snaps, courtesy of a recipe by one of my favorite bloggers, The Cookbook Junkie. http://cookbookjunkie.blogspot.com/

I knew I would love this cookie the moment I smelled them baking in the oven. I may have to add these as a third cookie to bake on Christmas Day - I know my family would love them, especially my mom. She and I share a deep love for the combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors infused. I remember being very little during Christmas and baking peppermint brownies with her one holiday using peppermint patties. I still remember them, that is how good they were.

My mom has been a great source of love and comfort during the time. I came home to a card the other day she mailed me, and it meant so much. She did not need to tell me she was hurting, too, because she is the most empathetic person I know. I get my deep empathy from her. Most times it is a blessing, but sometimes, such as this, it can be a curse. I know she knows what I feel, and how deep the wound is.

I look forward to Christmas Day when she and I can forget our cares for a little while and enjoy some of these cookies together. They are a panacea, to say the least!

Chocolate-Peppermint Snaps
(Courtesty of The Cookbook Junkie and The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion)

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons peppermint extract or 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil, to taste (I used extract)
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1)Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2) Lightly grease two baking sheets (I used parchment)

3) In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars.

4) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5) Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extract.
6) Add the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt, beating to combine.

7) Stir in the chocolate chips.
8) Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets.

9) Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re slightly darker around the edges. 10) Remove them from the oven and transfer to a rack to cool.