Merry Pepperminty Espressos

Peppermint ice cream makes a festive dessert or afternoon treat in a hurry.  Just brew hot coffee, even instant espresso will do just fine, and top with a scoop of sweet peppermint ice cream. Peppermint ice cream is usually available seasonally, so look for it now and enjoy. And there are lots more recipes I developed for Dreyer’s like Holiday Drum Cake, Peppermint Ornaments and Pink Peppermint Soda.

Need a cute kids dessert or party treat?  Make these cute cones with pink peppermint or strawberry ice cream for Santas, and mint chocolate chip for Christmas trees. Use cookie sprinkles, frosting and whipped cream for decorating.  Scoop and frost ahead then freeze, or set up a make-your-own activity for family and guests.  See my tips in the instructions below, and try your own creative decorations.  Serve right away of course, as these frosty treats won’t wait!

 Merry Christmas!

Peppermint Ice Cream Espressos

Makes 2

2        servings brewed espresso, about 1/4 cup each
2        tablespoons Kahlua or Amaretto
Dreyer’s SLOW CHURNED® LIGHT Peppermint Ice Cream
Whipped cream
Pour 1/4 cup hot or cool espresso into demitasse cups or aperitif glasses. Add 1 tablespoon Kahlua or Amaretto to each.
Add a small scoop (about 1/4 cup) of peppermint ice cream to espressos. Pipe whipped cream on top and serve immediately.

Peppermint Santas and Christmas Trees

Dreyer’s SLOW CHURNED® LIGHT Peppermint Ice Cream for Santas
Dreyer’s SLOW CHURNED® LIGHT Mint Chip Ice Cream for trees
Flat bottom ice cream cones
Whipped cream in a spray can or pastry bag
Cake decorating frosting tubes
Red candy decorations

Fill bottom of cone with a small amount of ice cream. Place a large scoop, then consecutively smaller scoops towards top of cone. Smooth edges of scoops with a table knife if desired.  Set cone in freezer while scooping others. (A popover pan or cone caddy works well for holding cones.)
For Santa’s face use frosting and decorating tubes to pipe a beard, eyes, and nose on cone.  Pipe whipped cream or frosting around cone edge and top of ice cream.
For Christmas tree pipe frosting in a garland around ice cream and place candies for ornaments. Pipe whipped cream or frosting around cone edge and top.
Freeze until ready to serve.

Recipes by Rosemary Mark. Photos Eskite Photography; Styling Kim Konecny Kissling