Chocolate Mint Squares
1 cup sugar
150ml can evaporated milk
2 teaspoons liquid glucose
15g (1/2oz) butter
100g packet white marshmallows
250g (8oz) dark chocolate
125g (4oz) dark chocolate, extra
oil of peppermint or peppermint essence (see note)
1. Combine sugar, milk, glucose and butter in a medium-sized heavy-based saucepan with base about 18cm (7in) in diameter (the cooking time will vary if a larger or smaller saucepan is used). Chop chocolate roughly. Place extra chocolate over hot water to melt. It is important all ingredients are ready before starting to cook. Grease 28cm x 18cm (11in x 7in) lamington tin, line with aluminium foil; bring ends of foil over narrow ends of tins; this will make it easy to remove the slice from the tin.
2. Stir mixture over medium heat without boiling until sugar is dissolved, increase heat, bring to boil, stirring constantly. When mixture has reached a boil, boil for exactly 4 minutes. Mixture must be stirred briskly the whole time. It will be necessary to reduce heat slightly during this 4 minutes to prevent mixture from boiling over, but mixture must boil as rapidly as possible. During this 4-minute cooking time, colour of mixture will darken slightly, turning to the colour of creamed honey.
3. Remove saucepan from heat, quickly add chocolate and marshmallows, stir briskly until melted; this will only take a few minutes. Add oil of peppermint or essence, mix well.
4. Spread mixture evenly into tin with spatula, press top of chocolate mixture smooth with palm of hand. Spread evenly with extra melted chocolate. Refrigerate 2 hours before cutting into small squares or sticks.
Note: Oil of peppermint gives the truly professional taste to this confection. It is available from chemists, but may have to be ordered in for you. A 25ml bottle will last a long time (it is concentrated). Use 4 to 6 drops for this recipe, depending on individual tastes. Peppermint essence is available from health food stores and some supermarkets. Brands vary in concentration. Add about 4 drops, taste before adding any more. It is also concentrated.