Here's to peppermint, the season's favored flavor

Gingerbread men and candy canes. These two treats have become icons among Christmas sweets. The red and white twisted peppermint stick stands out as the more universally loved of the two because gingerbread tastes like, well, ginger - definitely a more acquired taste.

Since the mid-1600s when a clergy man handed children peppermint candy sticks to keep them quiet during holiday church services, the flavor has been associated with Christmas.

"Even if you have peppermint in July, it feels like Christmas time," says Alain Roby, a Geneva resident and corporate pastry chef for Hyatt Hotels.

Candy canes aside, peppermint appears in many favored holiday treats.

"Peppermint has a strong flavor that matches very well with chocolate," Roby says. He crushes candy canes into his chocolate bark, infuses his chocolate mousse with pure peppermint extract and has been known to stir his hot chocolate with a candy cane.

Peppermint seems to be enjoying a wave of popularity this year. "Peppermint for the holidays is always there and some years it's stronger than others," Roby says.

This year, for instance, you can find peppermint infusing coffee at Starbucks, pancake "poppers" and milkshakes at Denny's, chocolate sandwich cookies at Trader Joe's, and cocktails at bars around the suburbs and city.

Because peppermint has a strong flavor, Roby says you have to be careful not to pour it on too strong.

"With peppermint oil you have to be very careful. A drop can be enough," he advises. "You can ruin a dessert it you over use it."

Peppermint syrup, peppermint in a simple syrup solution, dilutes the intensity.

For a quick treat, try this recipe from McCormick: Crush peppermint candies in a small bowl. Melt semisweet chocolate in a sauce pan, cool slightly and flavor with a few drops of peppermint extract. Dip one half or a large marshmallow into melted chocolate, then into crushed peppermint. Place on parchment paper to dry. Add to your cookie platter or float in hot cocoa.

Here are a few other ways you can work peppermint into your holiday menu.

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