Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Martini

As we wrap up our holiday shopping (pun intended) and finalize our travel plans this holiday season, many of us can’t help but to think of what delicious food and drink we will be enjoying before the New Year. One particular ingredient that comes to mind when I think of the holidays is peppermint. This cool and refreshing herb is the star of many beverages and desserts during this time.

Fresh peppermint is a very good source of Calcium, Copper, Dietary Fiber, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Riboflavin, and Vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of Niacin, Phosphorus and Zinc (source). In addition, peppermint boasts various health benefits. Check them out in a previous post, here.

This easy and festive martini features chocolate and peppermint to satisfy your sweet tooth, with a candy cane dusted rim. Should you prefer, a virgin beverage can be made by either adding ½ to 1 teaspoon candy cane dust or ¼ to ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (depending on how flavorful you want your drink). Add an extra shot of almond milk in place of the peppermint schnapps.

Happy Holidays, my friends!

Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Martini

1 regular-size peppermint candy cane
2½ shots regular unsweetened almond milk*
½ shot peppermint schnapps
1 tablespoon non-dairy chocolate syrup
1 ice cube

Using a food processor or mortar and pestle, process/crush candy cane until it reaches a consistency similar to that of dust. Dip rim of martini glass into water and then dip into candy cane dust; set aside.

Combine almond milk, peppermint schnapps, chocolate syrup and ice cube in a martini shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and pour into martini glass. If desired, garnish with non-dairy whipped cream and a sprinkle of candy cane dust.

*Should you prefer an even creamier beverage, you can easily substitute your choice of non-dairy creamer in place of the almond milk.

Butterscotch Puppy Chow

It is that time of year again…PUPPY BOWL! What’s not to love about a bunch of puppies frolicking around in a makeshift football stadium? Furthermore, there will be little piglet cheerleaders. Total cuteness! Being that it is Puppy Bowl time, I couldn’t think of a snack more fitting: Puppy Chow. Inspired by the original recipe, I opted for extra flavor with the addition of butterscotch chips. “Where can I buy vegan butterscotch chips” you ask? They are available here and here among other places.

Whip yourself up some of this sweet deliciousness and enjoy the game!

Butterscotch Puppy Chow

2 cups powdered sugar
5 cups rice cereal (such as Chex)
¾ cup semi-sweet non-dairy chocolate chips
¾ cup non-dairy butterscotch chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter

Place powdered sugar in a large airtight container or plastic zippered bag; set aside.

In a large pot, heat chocolate, butterscotch chips and peanut butter over low heat. Stir often until mixture is melted and thoroughly combined, approximately 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in cereal until evenly coated. Pour mixture into prepared container or bag, seal tightly, and shake to coat. Pour out onto a large piece of wax paper and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.