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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

A Peppermint Twist?

Have you been following any of the recent findings stating that the aroma and taste of peppermint can kill our cravings and possibly help us to cut down on our food intake? What about after dinner mints? Are they after dinner mints for a reason is the reason that once you eat the mint you no longer want food or does it suppress our appetites long enough to make it to breakfast without snacking somewhere in between. I guess that explains why there are no “Before Dinner Mints” we’d all starve to death. I was under the assumption that after dinner mints were strictly to refresh our breath after eating………but was there something of much greater significance to human kind lurking just beneath the surface.
So now I am wondering if by adding peppermint to all our chocolate, cheesecakes, cookies, ice creams and even our daily cup of coffee it will enable us to safely consume more because ultimately we’ll consume less…………………..something deep to ponder. Perhaps I better study this further by making and eating things containing peppermint and get to the bottom of this once and for all.

Super Moist Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 eggs
2/3 cup self rising flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (opt.)
1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies to decorate the top or to mix in (this would normally be optional but adding more peppermint might just stop us from eating these brownies all together).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter, sugar, vanilla and peppermint extract in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with mixer one minute, after each addition. In small mixer bowl, combine flour, cocoa and salt. Add to egg mixture and beat well. Fold in nuts, if desired. Pour into a well greased 9"x9"x2" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

8 comments:

Patricia Scarpin said...

Julie, I have never baked with peppermint candy and I'm sure it must be interesting!

Julie said...

You should give it a try Patricia.

pam said...

That is so interesting about peppermint! I'll have to try some at school and see if it keeps me from wanting to snack all the time!

Binulatti said...

If only it were true! My mom used to make these peppermint "candy cane cookies" at xmastime, and I do recall wanting more after first bite. A lot more. My sister even reproduced them years later with successful result!

Julie said...

I know I wish it were true too! Your sisters candy cane cookies look wonderful.

Julie said...

Pam, I have noticed when having a peppermint hard candy my cravings subside a bit. But when the peppermint is in a bake good or chocolate I still eat more than I should.

Chris said...

There is something about peppermint and chocolate that is so so fabulous!

Julie said...

Chocolate and peppermint are a great combination.