peppermint

Many people have the misconception that edible gifts have to be really involved, but the truth is, you don't necessarily need a whole day, obscure ingredients, or advanced kitchen skills to create your own signature holiday sundries. Peppermint fudge is a wonderful example of this: with just 15 minutes of prep, less than 10 basic ingredients, and no baking time whatsoever, you've got yourself an impressive batch of candy that's nearly big enough for all the friends on your gift list.

Since the holidays and peppermint go hand in hand, a peppermint-infused recipe is perfect this time of year. I love that this recipe's not too sweet, and it's just pepperminty enough; the key to its success is a high-quality chocolate (I used semisweet baking chips by See's, but any reputable brand will work). If you wanted to go the fancy route, you could individually wrap these adorable confections in colored tinfoil, but for even easier gifting, package them inside a tissue paper-lined tin. For the easy peppermint fudge recipe, keep reading.

In case you had any doubt about peppermint's ability to ease pain related to gastro issues, researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia recently found that peppermint activates an "anti-pain" channel in the colon. This is great news for IBS sufferers who experience pain caused by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, because peppermint may help lessen their symptoms.

Because of the menthol within peppermint, peppermint not only eases IBS pain, but many believe it can also help with nausea and vomiting and stress, and early studies indicate it may help control mild asthma because of its expectorant and decongestant abilities. It's important to note that out of all the claims surrounding peppermint, its effect on IBS is the only one that has a substantial amount of evidence backing it up. While peppermint may aid in nausea or headaches, research is still in its preliminary stages.

Medicinally, peppermint is available in many forms: tea, tinctures, capsules, creams, ointments, and essential oil. It is generally considered safe when used properly, but it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning treatment.

If you can't decide between serving cake and pie on Christmas, offer a totally different treat: ice cream sundaes! With homemade peppermint ice cream and a super rich hot fudge sauce, this childhood favorite becomes sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy. The ice cream must be made in advance, so you can start on this today. To get guests involved, consider setting up a sundae bar with the ice cream, sauce, and other delicious treats like fudgy brownies or chewy sugar cookies. Check out the recipe after the break.

Last Christmas I really wanted to make the cookies that were on the final page of the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. It was a recipe for chocolate peppermint cookies dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies. Unfortunately, I never got around to baking them.

Fast forward 11 months, and a package from Williams-Sonoma arrives addressed to YumSugar. Inside is a box of wildly delicious peppermint bark cookies — the exact cookies I had wanted to make.

I quickly found the recipe and set out to create the homemade version of the addictive and decadent cookies. Although they take a little time, the effort is worth it, as these cookies are to die for. I served them at a holiday happy hour, but packaged in a pretty tin, they are a wonderful edible gift. Look at the recipe when you read more