‘Real’ chocolate can be used in place of chocolate-flavored compound coatings, but the layers tend to separate and be more difficult to handle than when using compound coatings, and ‘real’ chocolate must be tempered when melted. Regardless of which chocolate you use, you can mix up the colors and flavorings to make distinctive chocolate sandwiches to your liking.
1 pound milk chocolate-flavored compound coating, melted
1 pound green chocolate-flavored compound coating, melted*
1 pound dark chocolate-flavored compound coating, melted
1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil (not peppermint extract)
Line an 11” x 17” half-sheet pan with parchment paper (or with a non-stick baking mat---the layer of peppermint-flavored chocolate won’t touch the mat, so you don’t need to worry about it absorbing the flavor); set aside.
Melt all three compound coatings in succession, using a separate glass, microwave-safe bowl for each flavor. Pour compound coating into bowl and microwave for 1-minute at 50% power. Stir. Microwave at 50% power in additional increments of 30 seconds until melted. (Compound coating will be melted and still hold its shape. Stir to break it down rather than continuing to microwave).
After melting the green compound coating, thoroughly stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil.*
(It is important to have all of your chocolate melted and ready to go as each layer sets up in just 1 or 2 minutes and if you wait too long between layers, the different layers won’t adhere to each other properly.)
Pour milk chocolate-flavored compound coating in center of pan. Use an offset spatula or
pancake turner to spread the coating in a layer about 1/8-inch thick. Allow to stand at room temperature until the coating is just beginning to set up. (Coating will have a mostly matte sheen, but still be a little wet and shiny in places.)
Pour green mint-flavored coating over milk chocolate-flavored compound coating and use an offset spatula or pancake turner to spread until smooth. Allow to stand until the coating is just beginning to set up.
Pour dark chocolate-flavored compound coating over the green layer and spread to a smooth finish. Allow to set up at room temperature until just firm. (Do not wait too long or the layers will crack when you cut them).
Remove candy from pan by lifting parchment paper liner and place on flat cutting surface. Using a long, thin-bladed sharp knife, cut mints into 1-inch squares. Store in a cool area, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes about 150 sandwiches.
*When purchasing compound coating, make certain you know what your are buying, as it is available in many flavors and colors. “Green” can be vanilla, lime, or mint. If buying mint-flavored green compound coating, DO NOT add the peppermint oil. If buying vanilla-flavored green compound coating, do add the peppermint oil.
For a printable version of this recipe, go here.