Just call me Peppermint Patty. As soon as I scrubbed the last of the Thanksgiving dishes, I already had sugar plums dancing in my head. I can't help it! The holidays bring such happiness and cheer, I can't wait to usher them in by filling my home with the warm scent of Evergreens and a dash of invigorating Peppermint. Okay, maybe more than a dash. I think I may have gone a tad overboard already.

I swear to you that lively Peppermint scent was practically begging me to go big or go home and with the holiday music chiming in, I just had to accept the challenge.

So, without further ado, I bring you four amazing ways to infuse a little Peppermint into your holiday plans. Your weapon of choice for each minty masterpiece: Peppermint Oil (not extract).

1. Peppermint Bark
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
3. Peppermint Steam Soother
4. Peppermint Diffuser

Peppermint Bark

• 2 2/3 cups milk chocolate, bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup of crushed Oreos (optional, but delicious)
• 3-4 drops Peppermint Oil
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup Peppermint candy (think 4 candy canes, chopped into small pieces)

Melt the milk or dark chocolate using a double broiler. If you don't have one, no worries! You can make one by filling a small saucepan with 3 inches of water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Then, remove it from heat and stack a second larger saucepan with your chocolate chips in it, on top. Stir until just melted.

Next, stir the Peppermint Oil into the melted chocolate mixture. Fold in the crushed Oreos at this point, if you choose.

Spread the Peppermint Chocolate mixture onto wax paper or foil. like to place my wax paper into a small pan to help the chocolate take shape, but that's entirely up to you. Let this mixture set, but not harden completely.

Melt the white chocolate in the same fashion. Then, mix in about half of the Peppermint candy.

Pour white chocolate mixture over the dark chocolate mixture and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining Peppermint candy on top. Lightly press candy on top of the mixture to set.

Allow the candy to cool until hardened, then break Peppermint Bark into pieces.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

What better way to wash down a huge chunk of Peppermint Bark than with Peppermint Hot Chocolate?

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk (2%)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 7 ounces chocolate chips
• 3 drops Peppermint Oil

Combine the cream, milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan over low heat.

As the cream mixture gets hot, stir in the chocolate chips. Then, stir in the Peppermint Oil.

Ladle hot cocoa into a mug and top with whipped cream, chocolate chips or crushed Peppermint candy.

PEPPERMINT STEAM SOOTHER

Have you ever made it through a holiday season without a stuffy nose? Not me. But, I use a quick and easy home remedy to perk me right up and keep me going.

• 2 cups of boiling water
• 4-5 drops of Peppermint Oil

Pour hot water into a bowl. Add Peppermint Oil. Place head over bowl and gently breathe in the steam.

PEPPERMINT DIFFUSER

The cool thing about the brand of Peppermint Oil that I use is that it has recommendations for use right on the bottle. For an energizing burst of aromatherapy, try combining the following oils in a diffuser.

• 1 drop Peppermint Oil
• 1 drop Rosemary Oil
• 2 drops Cinnamon Oil

Ready to try some Peppermint creations of your own? You can order Peppermint Oil online at Hi-Health.com. Happy Holidays!

Tags

Natural Foods Recipes

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