Smart Sweet: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties

Worried about holiday weight gain? No need to skip the dessert table! Instead, indulge sensibly this holiday season with healthier versions of your favorite sweets.

If you are going to a party, having your own soiree, or just craving something sweet, these Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties are the perfect treat to enjoy so you aren’t tempted to reach for the sugar laden cookies that are likely to fill up most of the dessert table.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup agave nectar (or pure maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil
1/2 to 1 cup dark chocolate chips, at least 73% cacao

Directions:
1.) In a small bowl, combine coconut oil, agave nectar and peppermint oil.

2.) Freeze mixture for about 10 minutes, until the mixture begins to harden. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to measure out balls on a parchment lined plate. Place in freezer until balls begin to firm up (another 5-10 minutes).

3.) Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips using a double boiler (I assembled a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water). Remove from heat.

4.) Remove firm mint balls from freezer and flatten into patties using spoon. Quickly dip mint patties into melted chocolate using spoon. Cover patties completely with chocolate and place on parchment lined plate.

5.) Leave out for about 10 minutes until patties harden. Store in the freezer.