Which Peppermint Extract Should I Use For The Mint Dominoes?

Our answer

Nigella's Mint Dominoes (from HOW TO BE A DOMSTIC GODDESS) are peppermint creams that are made in a rectangular shape and half coated in dark (bittersweet) chocolate to resemble dominoes. The mint filling can also be made into round shapes and fully coated in chocolate, similar to a peppermint patty or a bittermint. The Mint Dominoes are a great home-made Christmas gift.

The mint part of the domino is a mixture of icing (confectioners') sugar, egg white and peppermint extract. Unfortunately all peppermint extracts will vary a little in strength and we can't recommend a particular brand. The recipe recognises that the preferred level of mintiness can vary, so suggests adding extract "to taste". Also bear in mind that most extracts will become less potent over time, so if your extract has been open for more than a couple of months then you may need to add more than stated in the recipe, even if it is an expensive brand. We would suggest just adding as much as is needed to give the strength of peppermint that you like. As the Mint Dominoes contain raw egg white, they may not be suitable for those with a weak immune system. If this is the case then you can use pasteurised egg white from a carton or alternatively meringue powder or dried egg white plus enough water to make the equivalent of two egg whites.