Fudgy Peppermint Stick Torte Recipes

PEPPERMINT-FUDGE COOKIE STICKS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened butter, water and egg with spoon until dough forms. Divide dough in half; place on ungreased large cookie sheet. Press each into 14x2 1/2-inch rectangle. (If dough is sticky, use floured fingers.)
• Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges and center are set. Cool 1 minute; cut crosswise into 1-inch wide slices with sharp knife, cleaning knife blade, as needed. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet. Move slices from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 30 seconds. Stir; continue to microwave in 15-second increments until mixture can be stirred smooth.
• Working with one cookie slice at a time, hold center of cookie stick and carefully dip one end at an angle into melted chocolate; slide bottom of slice on edge of bowl to remove excess. Place on waxed paper. Sprinkle with crushed candies. Repeat with remaining cookie slices. If chocolate has cooled too much, reheat. Let stand about 4 hours or until chocolate is set. Store covered in airtight container in single layer.

FUDGE MINT ICE CREAM TORTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with foil; grease bottoms only of foil-lined pans. In large bowl, beat brownie mix, water, oil and eggs 50 strokes with spoon until dry particles are moistened. Spread batter evenly in pans.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 15 minutes. Use foil to lift brownie layers from pans; place on cooling racks. Cool 30 minutes or until completely cooled. Place layers in freezer 1 to 2 hours for easier handling.
• Meanwhile, line 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with foil. Scoop and press ice cream evenly into pans, leveling tops. Freeze until firm.
• In 1-quart saucepan, heat half-and-half and 30 of the chocolate candies over low heat, stirring constantly, until candies are melted and sauce is smooth. Remove foil from brownie and ice cream layers. Place 1 brownie layer on serving plate; top with 1 ice cream layer. Repeat with remaining brownie and ice cream layers, ending with brownie layer. Spoon sauce over torte. Freeze at least 2 hours.
• Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving. Cut remaining 8 candies in half diagonally; arrange candies on top outer edge of torte.

ALL-AMERICAN PEPPERMINT STICK TORTE WITH FUDGE TOPPING

Steps:

• For crust:
• Finely grind cookies and sugar in processor. Add butter and blend until crumbs begin to stick together. Press crumbs firmly onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Place in freezer.
• For filling:
• Grind candies in processor, leaving some small pieces. Whisk yolks, sugar and water in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of rapidly simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until candy thermometer inserted into mixture registers 170°F, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Add half of ground candies and whisk until melted. Let mixture stand until cool, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes. Mix in remaining candy and peppermint extract.
• Using electric mixer, beat cream in large bowl to stiff peaks. Fold cream into yolk mixture. Spoon mixture into crust; smooth top. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• For sauce:
• Bring 1 cup cream and corn syrup to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Cool until barely lukewarm and slightly thickened, whisking occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• Spoon 1 cup sauce over frozen filling, spreading to edges. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and keep torte frozen. Cover remaining sauce and refrigerate.)
• Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring frequently. Run sharp knife around pan sides to loosen torte. Release pan sides. Transfer torte to platter.
• Beat remaining 1 cup cream in large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with star tip. Pipe rosettes of cream around top edge of torte. Place candies between rosettes. Serve with warm sauce.