This December went so quickly (as it seems to every year) and it’s been a complete whirlwind of prepping for the holidays. If your family is anything like ours, there are holiday traditions you enjoy year after year. Ours starts the day after Christmas with picking out our live Christmas tree to decorate the house and continues into making Christmas candy, which is by far one of my absolute favorite traditions. I wanted to take a moment to share one of our candy recipes with you in hopes that it inspires a new family activity for you to enjoy during one of your cozy days at home with those you love most.


For as long as I can remember, our family has enjoyed making Christmas candy from scratch! It all started with my grandpa and me spending time together in the kitchen during the holiday while my grandma scurried around cleaning the house and decorating. Even when I was in college, I made special trips home to keep this cherished tradition alive. And now, I’m passing this tradition on to the next generations with my kiddos, which makes it even more special.


There’s something magical about setting aside a day during the holiday chaos to slow down, laugh, and create something sweet with loved ones. Below is one of the easiest recipes from our Christmas candy repertoire: Chocolate-Covered Peppermints. It’s a fun, simple treat to make, and I promise it’s as delicious as it sounds!

Chocolate-Covered Peppermints Recipe

Ingredients:


·      1 small potato (as small as you can find)

·      1 bag of powdered sugar

·      Peppermint extract

·      Food coloring (optional)

·      Dipping chocolate

Directions:


1.     Prep the potato: Peel potato and chop into large chunks. Boil the chunks until they are mushy and mashable.

2.     Make the dough: Drain potatoes into a mixing bowl and mash them. Start adding powdered sugar a little at a time. The mixture will become liquid at first – keep adding powdered sugar until it reaches a soft, dough-like consistency.

3.     Add flavor and color: Mix in a dash of peppermint extract and a few drops of food coloring if you’d like to add a festive touch.

4.     Thicken the mixture: Continue adding powdered sugar until the mixture becomes stiff. It should get thick enough that it’s difficult to stir but still moldable.

5.     Shape the peppermints: Roll small amounts of the mixture into balls, then flatten them into disc shapes on wax paper.

6.     Let them dry: Allow the discs to air dry while you melt the dipping chocolate.

7.     Dip in chocolate: Carefully dip each peppermint disc in the melted chocolate, making sure to coat both sides. Place them back on the wax paper to dry.

8.     Store and enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, store the peppermints in layers in a Tupperware or food storage container. Enjoy these sweet treats all season long!

This recipe is not only easy but also a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or adding something to your holiday routine, I hope these Chocolate-Covered Peppermints bring as much joy to your family as they have to ours over the years.


I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! If you share your candy-making adventures on social media, be sure to tag me on Instagram @photosbyweber or on Facebook at Weber Photography. Or tell me all about it when I see you on the other side of the lens in the New Year. Wishing you a season full of joy, love, and sweet traditions!