Peppermint Patties

7 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk.
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red or green paste food coloring (optional)
14 ounce chocolate flavored candy coating (bark)
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 1/3 cups)

In a large mixing bowl, combine first four ingredients. At this point you can add green or red paste food coloring, if desired. Blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate mixture overnight.

Use lightly greased hands to shape mixture into one-inch balls and flatten to make patty shapes. Place patties on jellyroll pan lined with wax paper and freeze patties for at least 30 minutes.

In a heavy medium-size saucepan, melt candy coating and chocolate chips over low heat. Working with one dozen patties at a time, place each patty on a fork and spoon chocolate mixture over top until covered. Transfer patties to a jellyroll pan lined with wax paper. Chill until chocolate hardens.

Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Yields about 8 dozen Peppermint Patties.