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12 Days of Edible Gifts: Peppermint Fudge

Susannah Chen — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:17:21 PST

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.

5 Sweet Peppermint Recipes For the Holidays!

YumSugar — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:27:21 PST

The holidays and peppermint go together perfectly, don't they? You can find the red- and white-striped candy everywhere this time of year – all over grocery stores, on Christmas trees, and even swimming in mugs of hot chocolate. We've rounded up five of our favorite peppermint recipes. Each one of these sweet treats gives you the refreshing, peppery burst of peppermint flavor.

Peppermint Soothes Gastric Pain and IBS, Study Says

Heather Dale — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:29:41 PDT

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.

5 Natural Scents to Energize You

Heather Dale — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:15:10 PDT

When Spring arrives, the air is instantly filled with the smell of sweet blooming flowers. That smell alone motivates me to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. How do scents influence your mood and feelings? Does the smell of lavender relax you while the smell of eucalyptus promotes alertness? If you need some assistance getting your Spring training started (don't forget about cleaning your closet!), have a peek at five of the following natural scents that will boost your energy levels.

Peppermint: Love It or Hate It?

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 05:50:37 PST

From candy canes to chocolate treats, the flavor of peppermint is a holiday favorite. Since I've always been a fan of the earthy and refreshing taste of peppermint, I was surprised to learn that not everyone enjoys homemade peppermint ice cream sundaes. How do you feel about it?

Peppermint Ice Cream Sundaes Are a Festive Holiday Finish

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:00:35 PST

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.

Scents of the Season: Peppermint

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:00:13 PST

Peppermint's cool, wintry tingle and sweet freshness make it a great ingredient for gum, but it also feels heavenly on dry skin and lips. For manicure and pedicure fans, there are toe and finger refreshers likeChina Glaze Peppermint Cuticle Oil ($4) and Saipua Peppermint Pumice Foot Scrub ($8). If you love scrub-a-dubbing with mint in the tub, there's Philosophy Peppermint Bark Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath ($16) and good old-fashion Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Bar Soap ($4). And if you like softly scented lips and a minty, oil-free
T-zone, Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens ($10) and Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain in Fiery ($24) both offer sweet shivers.

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

partysugar — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:00:45 PST

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

Quiz: All Things Peppermint

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:53 PST

'Tis the season of peppermint candy canes. To celebrate this flavorful herb, I decided to quiz you about the health benefits and calorie counts of pepperminty things.

Source: Flickr User LabyrinthX

Take the Quiz

Speak Up: What's Your Midafternoon Pick-Me-Up?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:16 PDT

No matter how healthy my lunch is there are still days where I hit that dreaded afternoon slump. My eyes begin to glaze over and I start to zone out at my desk. A quick walk outside usually helps, but, depending on my workload, I can't always get away.

Luckily I've found a quick and simple solution in the form of rosemary or peppermint oil. I know that there are doubts surrounding the validity of aromatherapy, but I definitely feel refreshed after taking a small whiff of these oils - I'm more awake, lifted, and ready to work.

If oils are hard for you to find, keep a lemon at your desk for afternoon sniffing. Citrus fragrances, especially lemons, have been shown to lift people's moods.

Have you ever used aromatherapy as a pick-me-up? If not, how do you beat your afternoon slump? Tell me in the comments section below.