Help! No Meat Tenderizer for Peppermint Cookie Sandwiches

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various methods for crushing peppermint for cookie sandwiches, particularly in the absence of a meat tenderizer. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for alternative tools and techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions not having a meat tenderizer and seeks suggestions for crushing peppermint.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a hammer or rubber mallet before acquiring a meat tenderizer.
  • One user notes using the Pampered Chef rolling pin as an effective tool for crushing peppermint.
  • Another participant agrees, stating they also use a baker's roller for the task.
  • Several participants caution against using the food chopper, citing potential damage to the blade from hard candies.
  • One participant describes a method of placing peppermint in a sandwich bag and wrapping it with a paper towel before crushing it with a baker's roller.
  • Another participant suggests using the back of a stainless steel pan, while one expresses concern about scratching the pan.
  • One user shares a personal experience of damaging their food chopper with peppermint candies and mentions pre-crushing candy for shows.
  • Another participant humorously references the versatility of cookware for various tasks, including crushing candy.
  • One participant mentions using a tart shaper as a hammer for crushing candies.
  • Another user recounts a recent experience of successfully using the food chopper to chop candy canes, despite previous warnings.
  • One participant expresses disappointment at hearing that the food chopper is not recommended for hard candies.
  • Another participant references product training that advises against using the food chopper for this purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the use of the food chopper for crushing peppermint, with some participants cautioning against it due to potential damage, while others report successful experiences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and preferences regarding tools for crushing peppermint, with no official guidance from Pampered Chef being referenced.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternative methods to crush peppermint without a meat tenderizer may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful.

T
teachernikol
Messages
29
I don't have a meat tenderizer and I'm doing a show tonight on the peppermint cookie sandwiches. Any suggestions as to what to use to crush the peppermint?
 
Until I got my MT I always used a hammer or rubber mallet.
 
I used the PC rolling pin :)
 
Ditto on the bakers roller.
 
What ever you do, DO NOT USE THE FOOD CHOPPER! It can seriously damage the blade depending on how hard the candy is.
 
Good recommendation, Wadesgirl!!
 
Put the peppermint into a sandwich bag and wrap with a paper towel to catch the little sticky crumbs. Club with Baker's Roller.
 
wadesgirl said:
What ever you do, DO NOT USE THE FOOD CHOPPER! It can seriously damage the blade depending on how hard the candy is.
Click to expand...

Really? Who knew? Well, I guess you did. :p Here I was thinking you could chop candies with it too.
 
wadesgirl said:
What ever you do, DO NOT USE THE FOOD CHOPPER! It can seriously damage the blade depending on how hard the candy is.
Click to expand...

I have a customer who bought her's specifically to make peppermint bark at Christmastime. She's had it for over 3 years and hasn't had any problems.
 
Couldn't you use the back of the SS pan?
 
I'd be worried the broken candies would scratch the pan.
 
put the candy canes in a ziploc, then put a towel in between the ziploc candies and the ss pan and use that.
 
wadesgirl said:
What ever you do, DO NOT USE THE FOOD CHOPPER! It can seriously damage the blade depending on how hard the candy is.
Click to expand...

I can attest to this. I have a Food Chopper that the blade was COMPLETELY ruined by peppermint candies. The blade is zigzag now. I kept it and just ordered another one. This way I have my "old" chopper to use for candies.

At shows I make sure I have my candy pre-crushed and just talk about using the Meat Tenderizer (no one needs to know I don't actually have it).
 
Love the cookware idea - that is what Rachael Ray does with her stuff alot - another great selling point on our cookware!!! (hmmm, look you can use this to break up the candy, pound out your chicken cutlets, or just hit over your DH head when he annoys you......oh our PC products have many uses!!!) LOL - and if that doesn't work - let me introduce you to our meat lifters..........
 
The tart shaper works well as a "hammer"
 
OOPs! I just made the brownie lollipops for a show Fri. night and I used the food chopper to chop my candy canes. I was surprised how quick and easy it was. I told all 20 ladies there how great it worked to use my food chopper!! I wonder if home office has a recommendation? When I close the show, I think I'll mention this to my host and she can pass it along to the guests who didn't order (ie...I don't have their contact info).
Maybe the brand I used was softer...Bob's candy canes was the one I used.
Deb
 
I have always been told that the Food Chopper works really well on candy!! :(
 
I just recently took the product training courses, and it says right in the course that PC does not recommend it for chopping hard candies.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of a meat tenderizer for peppermint cookie sandwiches?

If you don't have a meat tenderizer, you can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass to gently flatten the cookies. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you want to maintain the integrity of the cookie dough.

Can I use a fork to flatten the cookies?

Yes, using a fork is a great alternative! Simply press down gently on the cookie dough with the tines of the fork to create a nice pattern and flatten them evenly.

Is it necessary to flatten the cookies for peppermint cookie sandwiches?

Flattening the cookies helps them bake evenly and allows for a better fit when sandwiching the peppermint filling. However, if you prefer a thicker cookie, you can skip this step and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have any kitchen tools to flatten the cookies?

If you find yourself without any kitchen tools, you can use your hands to gently press down on the cookie dough balls. Just make sure to keep them uniform in size for even baking.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the sandwich if I don’t have a meat tenderizer?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cookie that you enjoy. Just ensure that the cookies are sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking apart. Consider using sugar cookies or chocolate cookies for a delicious twist!

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