16 Comments
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Mary Ellen Folsom's avatar

I am familiar with Saratoga Springs, but not the wonderful story of the Peppermint Pig. I love the idea of sharing the candy and a story at a holiday meal. I think we may just have to start this tradition in our family.

Thanks also for evoking the memory of ribbon candy. It just so happens that my grandmother's house was the only place I had this special, delicate treat.

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Vicki Smith's avatar

I had forgotten all about ribbon candy until I started writing this. It is so pretty!

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Jan McLaughlin's avatar

Your post--as always--lights up the room.

Never heard of the peppermint pig before, but glad we all now know.

Thank you!

Wishing you and your amazing hubby every good and happy thing for 2025.

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Jan! Happy new year to you! We hope to see you soon.

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Amy Allen's avatar

Thanks for mentioning my visit to the candy cane factory! I loved reading about the peppermint pig, which I didn't know about, and the nostalgia you evoked about our grandmothers' candy dishes. My brothers and I looked forward to the coffee flavored candies from the candy dish (we were only allowed to take one) and the ribbon candies that appeared in December. Happy holidays, Vicki!

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Happy holidays to you as well! Thanks, Amy.

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Peggy Hill's avatar

‘Love the recipe!! Thank you!!

Merry Christmas to you and your family❣️

🎉💓🎄💓🎉

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Same to you, Peggy!! Thank you!

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Jolene Handy's avatar

So good!

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Pat Willard's avatar

Thank you! I'm making a pot to treat a cold!

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Feel better!

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

That drink sounds amazing! Peppermint and chocolate is an unbeatable combo! The history of peppermint sticks and candies is also fascinating. I found traditional candy canes (very large ones!) at Trader Joe’s, though perhaps they’re gone by now.

I decided to make some peppermint bark cookies from a recipe on the side of a package of Williams Sonoma baking chips. I think they’d go rather well with your hot chocolate!

Thanks so much for all your recipes, paintings, research and stories, Vicki! I enjoy every one! One of your little card ornaments is hanging in a place of honor among my Hanukkah decorations. Merry Christmas and a peaceful, happy New Year to you and yours!

🎄💝🍫☕️

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Ruth! Glad the cards arrived! Peppermint bark cookies sound amazing.

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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Making them now! So far the batter and the chips are pretty awesome. If we can leave enough for the cookies, we’ll find out if they live up to our expectations! 😆

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John McCormick's avatar

Verry good!

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Wayne Christensen's avatar

Totally yum!

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