Celebrate Christmas:
Black Walnut Wintermints

Here's a unique gift for the kids to make. Or, use this when studying a home ec lesson on hosting. You could have them set these out after a meal that they've prepared, cooked, and presented themselves.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
½ cup water
1 Tbs light corn syrup
½ tsp salt
6 large marshmallows
3 cups black walnut halves or pieces
5 drops oil of peppermint or ½ tsp peppermint extract

Directions:

Combine the sugar, salt , water and corn syrup in a 2 quart heavy saucepan. Place over low to medium heat until sugar dissolves, then cook to the soft ball stage (234°F to 236°F). Remove from the heat, add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Add flavouring and nuts, stirring only until well combined. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. If the mixture starts to set in the pot, return to the heat for a minute, adding a few drops of boiling water. Store in a covered container, in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes about 36 patties or 1¼ lbs.

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