Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      ounces        cream cheese -- softened
   1      tablespoon    margarine
   1      tablespoon    light corn syrup
     1/4  teaspoon      peppermint extract
   4      cups          powdered sugar
                        green and red food coloring
                        sifted powdered sugar
                        green red and white coloring -- red and white
                        decorating icing (optional)

Preparation:

Beat cream cheese, margarine, corn syrup and extract in large mixing bowl at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar; mix well. Divide mixture into thirds. Knead few drops green food coloring into one third; repeat with red food coloring and second third. Wrap each third in plastic wrap. Working with one color mixture at a time, shape into 3/4-inch balls. Place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Flatten each ball with bottom of glass that has been lightly dipped in sugar. • Repeat with remaining mixtures. Decorate with icing. Chill. 5 dozen Prep time: 30 minutes plus chilling