Homemade Thin Mints
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
18 Ritz Crackers
1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
1 tbsp vegetable shortening, optional but recommended
3/4 tsp peppermint extract
Directions
*Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside
*Clear out a spot in your refrigerator or freezer to accommodate baking sheet
*In a shallow microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening (the shortening helps the chocolate stay smooth when using it for dipping; it prevents that thick and gloppy, chocolate getting hard before you want it to phenomenon) and heat for 1 minute on high power to melt
*Stir and heat in 10 to 15 second bursts until chocolate can be stirred very smooth
*To the melted chocolate add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract* and stir
*If you prefer it mintier, add another 1/4 teaspoon
*Add 1 cracker to the chocolate, coat it, and remove it by lightly scooping it up from the underside with a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drain off through fork tines
*Place cracker on parchment and repeat with all remaining crackers
*If necessary, re-heat the chocolate in 10 to 15 second bursts if it starts getting too firm for smooth dipping
*After all crackers have been dipped, place baking sheet in refrigerator. Although these will solidify at room temperature, the shortening in the chocolate lengthens the amount of time that will take; the fridge or freezer helps speed it up
*Store extra Thin Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many weeks
*In the freezer, these could be kept for 3 to 6 months successfully
