Peppermint Extract

[jglass]

I have a biscotti recipe I want to try that calls for peppermint extract.
OF course I cannot find it in this town. Can I use a little peppermint oil I have from the health food store in place of the extract? If so how much should I use? The recipe calls for 2t peppermint extract.
Im going to WalMart later this week but I doubt they are going to have the peppermint extract there either.

[jfain]

Peppermint extract is made with peppermint essential oil so as long as it's food grade and not a room scent sort of thing it should be fine. You will just want to use less because it will be stronger. Maybe start with 1/4 of what you would usually use in extract and see how that does.

[shipscook]

here you go, there are several links on a search--looks like 1/4 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon-

Questions and Answers - Peppermint Oil vs Peppermint Extract

and
Peppermint extract - Ingredients, Substitutions and Equivalents

and this is a neat site for checking lots of things-

Cook's Thesaurus: Extracts and Flavoring Oils

I am a bit concerned, are you sure this oil is food quality grade? It should say on the bottle or you could give the health food store a call. I just seem to recall having some essential oils that I had being labeled "not food quality grade"?

sounds like a nice recipe. I tossed the catalog, but I think it's on Williams Sonoma website--white chocolate bark covered with crushed peppermint candy--thinking there must be a fun way to use this concept.

Have a super day,
Nan

edit---was posting at same time as jfain-whoops, she said it better and way shorter!!!

[Mama Mangia]

peppermint extract Notes: This is used to make candy canes, mints, and peppermint patties. Substitutes: peppermint oil (One part flavoring oil is roughly equivalent to four parts extract, but this may vary according to the products used. To be safe, begin by substituting 1/8 teaspoon of oil per teaspoon of extract, then add more drops of oil until you're satisfied with the flavor.) OR creme de menthe (use much more) OR peppermint schnapps (Substitute 1 or 2 tablespoons schnapps for each teaspoon of extract) OR vanilla extract (use more)

[jglass]

Thanks you guys!

[shipscook]

hey, been thinking about that crushed candy thing. How about getting the red and green peppermint disks and crushing them, could sprinkle on sugar cookies or brownies?
Nan

[jglass]

THAT would be so much better!
What a great idea Nan.

[jglass]

I finally tried this recipe.
PEPPERMINT BISCOTTI

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed peppermint candy

FROSTING:
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

1 In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir in peppermint candy. Gradually add to creamed mixture, beating until blended (dough will be stiff).
2 Divide dough in half. On an ungreased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 12-in. x 2-1/2-in. rectangle. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove to wire racks; cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a sharp knife into 1/2-in.
slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.
3 In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth.
Drizzle over biscotti; sprinkle with candy.
Place on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container.
Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.

I just melted some dark chocolate chips in the microwave and coated one side of the biscotti with it and then sprinkled on the crushed peppermint. These are a very very pretty cookie and yummy! I gave Jon half of them in a tupperware container on his desk. Im going to send the other half to my little sister and her kids.

[shipscook]

so did the oil work for this or did you find the extract? if you used the oil, was the
1/4 to 1 ratio pretty close?

That does sound good! and pretty!

Nan

[essentialoil]

Hi...
While browsing on the internet i have found a site of essential oil.
I have seen Essential Oil spe******t suppliers in online at essentialoilsonline(dot)co(dot)uk.They are members of the Aromatherapy Trade Council.