Peppermint Hearts (like York patties)

1 egg white
4 cups powdered sugar (plus more for kneading and rolling, about 1-2 cups)
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil or extract
Cornstarch for dusting
24 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons shortening

In a medium bowl, beat the egg white until frothy but not stiff. (Don't use a plastic bowl for this).
Slowly add the powdered sugar while blending with an electric mixer set on medium speed. (The mixture will be really sticky and you will need to scrape down the sides of the bowl repeatedly)

Add the corn syrup and peppermint oil and knead the mixture with your hands until it has the smooth consistency of dough. Add more powdered sugar if necessary, until mixture is no longer sticky (takes about 1 cup of powdered sugar to not make sticky)

Using a surface and a rolling pin heavily dusted with cornstarch, roll out the peppermint dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick.

Punch out circles of peppermint dough with a small heart shaped cookie cutter (metal works best). When you have cut out as many shapes as your dough allows, pull the sides together and knead back into a ball and repeat process until all dough is used up. Place the hearts on plates and let them firm up in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes.



Melt the chocolate and shortening until smooth.(do this over low heat!)

To coat: Drop a heart patty into the chocolate and coat completely using a dinner fork. Lift the coated patty from the chocolate, being careful to have the heart's point facing towards the outer tips of the tines. Gently tap the fork against the bowl to knock off the excess chocolate. Place your finger on the backside of the heart and carefully slide the patty onto a wax paper cookie sheet. Try to do this in a controlled motion as jerkiness and extra movements will smear the chocolate. Be sure to clean your fingers and the fork between each dipping to ensure a smooth and clean heart quality.

Chill the peppermint patties until firm, about 30 minutes. Very good even straight from the freezer.