Annual Chocolate Festival at Riverside Inn

Kitty puts the finishing drizzle on the Peppermint Shortbread Cookies. We had 450 visit Riverside Inn to enjoy the many chocolate treats.

Here's our recipe for the Peppermint Shortbread Cookies.

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Glaze

• 1 cup semi-sweet real chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter

For cookies, in large mixer bowl, combine all cookie ingredients, except flour. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy. Add flour; beat until mixed. Divide dough into halves. Wrap in waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 375. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out with floured cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Remove immediately; cool completely.

For glaze, in small saucepan, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally, over low heat until melted, 4 to 6 minutes. Have fun drizzling the chocolate. Refrigerate on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet until firm. Store covered, in refrigerator.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies

Traveling as a 4-some?

Our third floor allows for two guest rooms to be combined as a 2-bedroom suite with a shared full bath. There is a door at the base of the stairs to this "loft", so it's particularly private. "Mountain Pond" has one queen and one twin bed, and "Chocorua Lake" has a king bed, so the sleeping arrangement is quite flexible. Our guests find it "family friendly" and it is also popular for two couples traveling together. Recent guests of this suite gave us a top rating and had these nice comments (posted on http://www.bedandbreakfast.com):

"What a perfect weekend get away for the 4 of us... We had the 2 bedroom suite on 3rd floor. Bedding was comfortable and decor was cottage-like and charming... The gas fireplace was cozy and we enjoyed cocktails in the livingroom each evening. The breakfast was a real treat... gourmet, nicely served in a lovely setting. Staff was friendly and helpful while respecting our privacy. And the bathrobes!!! The ultimate luxury! Thanks so much...we'll be back next year! PS. We checked out the other rooms... all exquisite!!!"