Come Ride on the Winter Peppermint Polar Express

Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  Even though the holidays are over, there is still something to celebrate in winter during the months of January and February.  In fact, when I think of Wisconsin winter in those months, I associate the cool and refreshing taste of peppermint as a symbol of the snowy, exhilarating months.  When you step out the door and breathe in the brisk air of the morning, it cools your lungs and throat and is similar in effect to the cooling sensation of consuming a peppermint candy cane.

While everyone packs away their peppermint decor at the end of Christmas, I continue to display my collection and, like our brisk winter time in Wisconsin, it represents more of the fresh, invigorating weeks ahead.

Therefore, my little red Peppermint Polar Express train grandly sits in the center of the table and is filled with small peppermint candy canes.  It is surrounded by peppermint striped trees, big and small, and rests on a mirror and a faux white fur runner to replicate snow that is right outside our window.   

The gray, white and red plaid tablecloth easily brings to my mind railroad tracks and makes a perfect backdrop for the bright red playful train.

 

The Peppermint Polar Express is the perfect breakfast tablescape.  Who can resist a Cheesy Canadian Bacon English Egg Muffin and some Chocolate Chip Peppermint Pancakes for breakfast on a chilly morning?  Of course, served up with either a cup of hot chocolate or hazelnut flavored coffee topped with whipped cream and sprinkles and a strawberry.  

Breakfast starts with a flavorful English Muffin  topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato and a scrambled egg filled with sauteed onions and red pepper.  Served with a skewer stacked with grapes to hold it all together, these warm and satisfying muffins make breakfast a meal to carry you through a busy morning.  

Of course, they need to be followed with some soft and fluffy pancakes which awakens all of the senses of any sleepy guests with its refreshing peppermint extract.

The Peppermint Chocolate Chip Pancakes have just the right amount of chocolate chips to give the pancakes sweetness and a rich chocolate taste which is almost a dessert.  Not to mention the addition of whipped cream and sprinkles of crushed peppermint candy.

If you are inclined to try these heavenly pancakes, I have included the recipe below.  You may want to double the batch.  They can be a hit and can be gone as swift as a train on the tracks.

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Pancakes

3 C All-purpose flour

2 tsp salt

2 T baking powder

2 T sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 C milk

6 T melted butter

2 tsp peppermint extract

1/2-3/4 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

In mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and milk and add them to the dry ingredients.  Blend until incorporated-the mix will still be lumpy and add the chocolate chips and peppermint extract.

Scoop out onto a hot greased griddle about 1/4 C of batter onto the heated pan (on medium heat) and flip the pancakes when bubble begin to form.

Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy or sprinkles and more chocolate chips if desired.

Can be served with maple syrup or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Serve and enjoy.

So keep on taking pleasure of the winter time ahead whether it is indoors or out.  Find beauty in all situations and winter and peppermint just might help you do that.