LATEST - TalentBrew · and also remind them about the entire Lindt portfolio.” THE HALO EFFECT The rest of the LINDOR line joins LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle

Building BridgesAn Update on Operation: READY

Exclusively YoursLINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffles Fills Target’s Store Shelves

Making the Grade At Lindt Chocolate University

Lindt Leader in the CommunityGiving Back in Indiana

plus

Strengthening Our Lindt CommunityGood Deeds in Action

LATEST HOLIDAY 2016 Issue 17

LINDOR

MASTER CHOCOLATIERS

from the

at

Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle

IN EVERY ISSUE CREDITS

4 8Exclusively YoursNew LINDOR Recipe Fills Target Shelves

Strengthening Our Lindt CommunityA Photo Montage

Building BridgesMaintaining the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Lindt LeaderGiving Back in Indiana

Making the GradeLindt Chocolate University Educates and Motivates

12 16

MARKETING

OUR EMPLOYEES OUR EMPLOYEES COMMUNITY

President's Letter 2Anniversaries 3One Sweet Recipe 18

15

Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle

THE BUSINESS

VP of HUMAN RESOURCES Lisa Cloutier

VP of MARKETING Danielle O'Neil

HR MANAGER Kelley Robinson

PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Cooper Photography

Cover by Kevin Richard & Studio 141

COPY Mackie Feeney & Nindy Pike

GRAPHIC DESIGN Matt McCall & Matt Tames

PRINTING Northpoint Printing

Lindt Latest and the content contained in it are subject to copy-right protection. ©2016 Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. LINDT, EX-CELLENCE, LINDOR, HELLO, and CHOCOLATE SPECIALTIES are trademarks of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Kilchberg/Switzerland. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Printed in the USA using soy-based ink on FSC-certified paper composed of 50% recycled fibers, 25% post-consumer waste and elemental chlorine free.

Questions, comments, or ideas? Please contact [email protected]

1H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

Dear Team Lindt USA,

Welcome to our holiday edition of Lindt Latest. As we come to the close of the year, I

want to acknowledge and commend your passion and dedication to our business. Your collective contributions have helped us ensure that Lindt remains the leader in the premium chocolate category with sales growth which continues to outpace both the premium and total chocolate categories.

Our people are the driving force behind our successes, so thank you!

This issue offers articles that will both inspire and inform you about what is happening

in our business. We showcase the people and the strategies behind the launch of our new LINDOR

recipe: Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle. The overwhelming consensus is that this new flavor will be a real consumer favorite. This truffle recipe is available at Target and also in our stores. September’s Lindt Chocolate University (LCU) is another feature this month where we take an inside look at how we train, prepare, and motivate our store managers and their teams to deliver exceptional customer service and delight every chocolate lover that steps into our stores. We also continue our discussion of Operation: READY and share our plans for more exposure and company-wide involvement.

This is the season of giving. Lindt Leader Beverly Dudek is a retail store manager who makes a true difference in her community. This holiday issue is also the perfect opportunity to highlight the efforts of many other Lindt USA employees. We have created an entire photo montage depicting community service in action through a number of special events showcasing Lindt employees giving back. Lindt leadership also gave back through the distribution of almost 1,400 frozen turkeys to employees just before Thanksgiving.

As 2016 comes to a close, I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. I look forward to working with all of you as we look ahead to an exciting start to the New Year.

Sincerely,

Daniel StuderCEO and President

President’s Letter

2 L I N D T L AT E S T

Inclusion reflects anniversaries from September, 2016 — December, 2016

AnniversariesPlease join the Lindt USA family to congratulate

and thank members of our community who are celebrating a special anniversary.

MASTER CHOCOLATIER

Congratulations!15 Years

Paul R Fisher Paul A Michael Michael Staniec

10 YearsDavid G Abbott Muhammad Arshad Patti P Filion

Luis A Lausell Edison A Martinez Ross MellenMichael T Merryman Nancy L Poussard Ivelisse Sanchez

Marybeth E Serozynsky John A Swart

5 YearsZachary Allard-Huestis Kimberly Arroyo Kevin Baldelli

Robert Benevento William Berry Jennifer CarrollShane Cassidy Sonja Dearden Andrew Egli

Ching C Fayhih Joan Fruzzetti Ronnie GarciaCarlos W Garcia Walter Hansen Penny Howard

Lorna Ipili Danielle Kelley Michael LeGrowBhuwan Mangar Kiran Mapchhan Peter J MechareChad Robinson Rachel Soncrant James Trowbridge

Victor Velez

LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle Fills Target Shelves

EXCLUSIVELY

YOURS T he recipe is getting rave reviews. Word on the street is that Lindt has a winner with LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle.

“Many have said this is the best seasonal truffle ever,” said Associate Brand Manager Jillian Pierce, who supports Holiday for Lindt USA.

PATH TO PERFECTIONThe Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle is

an exclusive LINDOR product offering on Target store shelves this holiday season. “Lindt has enjoyed a long-standing and valued partnership with Target,” explained Jillian. “Although the R&D and product development for the recipe was fast-tracked as a result of a collaborative joint business plan (JBP) meeting in December 2015, it was actually many years in the making.”

Jillian Pierce

4 L I N D T L AT E S T

Target’s response to the Lindt creation of an exclusive recipe was met with excitement. “It is a big deal to offer a recipe,” said Jillian. “The LINDOR truffle is also our key franchise and a recipe provides the highest impact for both Lindt and Target.”

DELIGHTING GUESTSExclusivity is a key component

of Target’s go-to-market strategy. Tim Montgomery, National Account Manager, leads the Target customer team in Minneapolis. His job is to guide the cross-functional teams so Lindt and Target achieve long-term profitable growth together.

“Target wants to surprise and delight their Guests, which is Target’s term for customers,” said Tim. “The LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle aligns with Target’s strategy of Expect More and Pay Less™. Pay Less links to the essentials and

the Expect More links to the exclusives, the differentiators, the ‘wow’ items. The LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle is one of these ‘wow’ items and it aligns incredibly well with their Guest brand promise.”

PERFECTLY ALIGNEDIn round numbers, Lindt does

approximately $50 million in annual retail sales with Target and a significant portion of those occur within the fourth quarter. Jason Tripicchio, Senior Director

of Strategic Customer Development, oversees the internal sales

support team. “There are many

reasons why Lindt invested so heavily in an exclusive recipe offering with Target,” said Jason. “To begin, Target

is its own marketing machine with a national

presence of 1,802 stores across 49 states. Secondly, the

core Lindt consumer is heavily aligned with the core Target Guest, representing a prime demographic.”

“Nationally, Lindt has approximately four percent share of the total chocolate category,” explained Jason. “Within Target,

“The LINDOR truffle is also our key franchise and a recipe provides

the highest impact for both Lindt and Target.”

Jason Tripicchio

Tim Montgomery

TARGET & LINDT:A Sweet Partnership

# of Target stores

1,802

“Target is it’s own marketing

machine...”

“The core Lindt consumer is heavily aligned with the Target

Guest.”

“Lindt can expect to

capture 10% this holiday season.”# of states with

Target presence

49Lindt’s share of Target’s

chocolate category

Lindt’s total annual retail sales with Target

$50m

7%5H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

our share of their chocolate category is over seven percent. We have strong development inside of Target’s world.” During the holiday season, Lindt can expect its share within the chocolate category inside of Target to accelerate to more than a 10 percent share.

“We want to fish where the fish are in terms of premium chocolate growth opportunities,” added Jason. “If Target is successful with their holiday season, then Lindt is successful with our holiday season.”

“We also win with Target through testing and learning,” added Tim. “If LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle resonates well with Guests, we will assemble valuable insights into shopper behavior and purchase patterns. Lindt can apply these learnings to a future exclusive launches at Target.”

CUSTOMER MARKETINGMike Hurley, Customer Marketing Manager, and his

team bring Lindt brands to life at our customers. “The key to success is creating mutually beneficial programs to drive sales for both Lindt and Target,” said Mike.

Customer Marketing links the Lindt brand strategy with the customer strategy, creating a communications plan for a customer-specific effort, like LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle. For this initiative, he and the team are partnering with Target to create a digital program on its website at Target.com and through Cartwheel, Target’s savings program and mobile app.

“The goal is to reach Guests in appropriate areas in the Target space and bring them into the Lindt conversation,” explained Mike. “We want to invite Target Guests to try LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle and also remind them about the entire Lindt portfolio.”

THE HALO EFFECTThe rest of the LINDOR line joins LINDOR

Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle on the end cap, which is the area at the end of an aisle in a retail store. The end cap is a much-valued display location for product sales.

“With LINDOR, we see a tremendous halo effect when we launch an exclusive product,” said Tim. The halo effect occurs when promoting one item influences shoppers to purchase another item. Strategically, LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle is the vehicle to support the overall sales strategy to sell LINDOR Milk and LINDOR Assorted Truffles, too.”

A WIN FOR ALL“It’s always an interesting dynamic when there is a

specific ask from a customer like Target,” said Jim Dill, Vice President of Sales. “We must examine the complexity it brings to the organization and the benefit or value that the consumer, customer, and Lindt receive in return.”

“We want to invite Target Guests to try LINDOR

Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle and also

remind them about the entire Lindt portfolio.”

Mike Hurley

6 L I N D T L AT E S T

“Exclusivity also works when Lindt understands the full potential of the customer to get behind the exclusive product, activate the brand, and engage the shopper at the point of purchase,” he said. “All of these factors come into play when making the final decision.”

Jim gives lots of credit to R&D and marketing. “Their swift reaction to the opportunity and fast development of a very exciting recipe is to be commended,” he added.

“We have the opportunity to gain great insights into how LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Truffle performs during this holiday season,”

concluded Jim. “As we look forward to holiday 2017, we may look at new bag sizes or packaging options. We want to bring the right products to Target and all of our customers, while also growing the entire

confection category.”LINDOR Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate

Truffle has a bright future. Target is a market leader and Lindt will continue fostering a relationship with the company as

we build sales towards accelerated growth. It

continues to be a beneficial, and sweet, partnership for both brands.

Jim Dill

“We want to fish where the fish are in

terms of premium chocolate growth opportunities. If

Target is successful with their holiday

season, then Lindt is successful with our

holiday season.”

7H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

MAKING THE GRADEA t L i n d t C h o c o l a t e U n i v e r s i t y

H oliday sales of Lindt chocolate are like no other in retail. Just ask Northeast District Manager

Jennifer Gerhold. This holiday with be Jennifer’s 11th with Lindt USA and she understands the demands of the season. Jennifer was a store manager for four Lindt retail locations of various sizes and sales volumes earlier in her career.

“Preparation and planning are essential for store managers to navigate the rush of holiday sales,” she said. “But there is tremendous support. Lindt Chocolate University (LCU) is where all store managers get the knowledge they need to meet expectations and sell successfully.”

SCHOOL OF CHOCOLATEThe goal of LCU is to educate,

motivate, and empower the 68 store managers and the entire retail field. Jim

Ellis, Training Manager, has been with Lindt since 2004 and has been in charge of LCU since 2012.

“LCU creates a focused and uninterrupted setting where our store managers can process information, analyze it, and ask questions,” said Jim. In September, 45 participants, mainly new store managers from across the country, came to Stratham for LCU.

“LCU creates a focused and uninterrupted

setting where our store managers

can process information,

analyze it, and ask questions.”

Jennifer Gerhold

8 L I N D T L AT E S T

THE CURRICULUMEach portion of the LCU day has a targeted

plan with milestones to be met. “The program is focused on providing store leaders with the tools and information needed to motivate teams and achieve a successful holiday selling season,” said Jim. “The physical nature of what needs to happen to coordinate all of the moving pieces and parts in the stores during holiday is truly unique. LCU gives our store managers exposure to the expected and unexpected.”

Kit building is also part of the curriculum. Certain items are made and produced in the warehouse and other products are put together and built out at the store level. “Store-level kit building creates excitement and engagement with customers,” said Jim.

Attendees also tour of the Stratham manufacturing facility and participate in training session with the product development/Q&A team. Nico Tomaselli, R&D Manager, and Ann Czaja, Lindt USA’s Master Chocolatier, taught the Lindt Difference as LCU attendees learn about the five senses, cocoa bean origin, and bean to bar which included taste-tested chocolate from various stages of the process. Managers left the training with increased product knowledge and confidence to sell all of the features and benefits to our customers. “They learn what it means to be premium,” said Jim.

Jennifer and Exeter store employee Eric prepare a kit for sale.

LCU replicated a kit building exercise to show teams of managers just how fast things move in the stores. Each team’s goal was to complete a kit with half of their expected staff in an allotted time frame. This workshop provided a real-life example to teach managers the importance of developing strong staffing plans while remaining nimble and prepared for change.

“LCU made me feel re-energized and excited,

and year after year, I would go back to my store and vow that I

would change the world.”

Jim Ellis

9H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

EXPECTATIONSSales goals are important. Ken Turner, Director

of Retail Sales, presented key initiatives for store managers and how Lindt USA achieves target numbers. He is a firm believer in treating store managers like owners. “Managers need a healthy perspective of what is to come,” said Ken. “We must equip them with the financial knowledge needed

to achieve sales expectations and support decision making. It is important for

us to explain the ‘whys’ behind our expectations.”

Ken joined Lindt in May, bringing vast retail experience from companies like Foot Locker, GameStop, and Starbucks.

Ken looks at retail with an overarching perspective and

focus which empowers our field leaders and store teams to drive sales

and improve customer service.

TOP TALENT AND SCHEDULESStore managers also need to successfully source

talent, interview well, and make strong hiring decisions that best represent the Lindt brand. Ken worked with Albi Vargas, Human Resource Manager, to create a robust talent plan. Albi is new to Lindt, and represents the Company’s continued

commitment to meeting the unique requirements of the stores. She is solely dedicated to supporting more than 400 Lindt retail staff members, from store managers to chocolate advisors. “We must help managers be more selective when hiring as the front line delivers the premium Lindt experience to the consumer,” said Albi.

Ken Turner

Albi Vargas

10 L I N D T L AT E S T

The scheduling workshop is also hands-on.Managers complete an exercise where they work backward from calendars, sales expectations, and payroll, determining staffing and scheduling for the all-important Black Friday and throughout December. “The unknown is the biggest fear for our store managers who are experiencing their first holiday season with us, and LCU works hard to take this away,” added Ken.

ADDING VALUEVice President of Retail Ron Lencz sees

immense value in LCU and says the training content, such as the Holiday Roadmap for Holiday Preparedness and the Selling Skills Workshops, are important initiatives to ensure success. “Our Lindt Chocolate Shops are still often the consumers’ first exposure to Lindt; their experience with us can be the gateway to future sales and brand loyalty,

online or at a Lindt wholesale customer.”

Ron recently joined the Lindt USA team, after having previously served as a vice president for marketing, retail, and sales for Lindt in Canada. He oversaw the Retail division from its launch in 2006 through the opening of 24 stores by 2015.

“LCU has another purpose,” added Ron. “It showcases the overall plan to empower our store managers, and gives confidence that the division is on track, and supported with the right tools.”

LET THE MAGIC HAPPENThe hard work pays off. Just ask

Jennifer. “LCU was always a favorite experience for me when I was a store manager,” said Jennifer. “It made me feel re-energized and excited, and year after year, I would go back to my store and vow that I would change the world.”

Jim concurred. “All of the team building, collaboration, and preparedness in the fall builds confidence. We tell our stores to engage and sell and have fun in December. This is the time to let the magic happen.”

Ron Lencz

Exeter store employee Erin readies the Pick and Mix truffle bins for customers to make custom gift bags.

Lindt USA receptionist Carol Gulezian is not only an dedicated employee but also a loyal Lindt chocolate consumer.

11H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

W e understand the task at hand: Prepare Lindt USA to reach

$1 billion in sales by 2024. Operation: READY is the charge that this organization has embraced to reach this vision.

A RECAPAlignment and the prior-

itization of departmental strategies have been two components of the cross functional meetings held during these early stages of Operation: READY. We clearly defined the key areas of focus and created plans that address our most critical company priorities and opportunities. While there is inherent value in this earlier work to align strategy and vision, is not a full reflection of Operation: READY in its totality.

Danielle O’Neil, Vice President of Marketing, is leading a team of cross-functional employees to decipher the relevant content of Operation: READY and share it effectively across the entire organization.

“The challenge is to leverage our growing organization to become a billion dollar corporation acting and thinking differently; however, we want to keep our entrepreneurialism that drove our growth to begin with,” said Danielle. “We need to maintain the essence of who

we are as a Company while preparing to achieve $1 billion. There are so many valuable aspects of our organization such as our high standards, beliefs, and spirit.”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

All employees inherently want to be part of a winning team. “People take great pride in identifying with something bigger than they are,” explained Danielle. “We need to embrace this concept and roll out the messages and the skills to empower the entire organization. We want everyone to say to themselves, ‘I am part of something wonderful and powerful, and I, as an individual, make a difference.’”

The owner’s mindset is one worth fostering, as it addresses the entrepreneurial side of the equation. “When we first opened our doors in the U.S. in 1989, we embraced a mentality of going to war with the chocolate industry because consumers deserved premium chocolate,” said Danielle. “All of our decisions were personal and included a sense of fiscal responsibility and control. We thought differently and acted differently and were completely aligned with the consumer on the front line. We

B u i l d i n g B r i d g e s

Danielle O’Neil

“When we first opened our doors in the U.S. in 1989, we embraced a mentality of going to war with the chocolate industry because consumers deserved premium chocolate.”

L I N D T L AT E S T12

need to stay true to this way of thinking as we grow.”

Danielle sees the tides shifting as employees gain knowledge, skills, and confidence. She envisions the time in the near future when employees at all levels share their thoughts to the leadership team by saying, “Here’s what I think needs to be fixed in order for us to be ready to achieve $1 billion.”

Today, employees tend to approach challenges through the lens of their individual jobs. “If we are successful in communicating what we need to accomplish for Operation: READY at all levels, the scope will widen for all employees and the ‘what does it mean for me’ question will be apparent to all,” added Danielle.

Danielle is looking within the organization to address potential challenges that could impede Operation: READY. “Growth challenges are often

internal,” said Danielle. “The markets are not to blame. The reason that sustained growth is challenging revolves around issues such as organizational complexity, culture, insufficient resources, and an inability to focus.”

CHANGE MANAGEMENT

The cultural and company-wide changes that Lindt USA is going through as it prepares to reach the $1 billion threshold creates the need for change in approach and management style across the board.

The senior management team is preparing employees for the next level of growth by sponsoring Change Management training programs focused on empowering employees, strengthening cross functional collaboration, and developing increased decision-making capabilities. According to Lisa Cloutier, Vice President of

“There are so many valuable aspects of our

organization such as our high standards, beliefs,

and spirit. The year ahead will mesh this

vision and plan with the right mindset as we do

our jobs.”

13H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

Human Resources, “We are fostering a mindset shift by encouraging our managers at all levels to think ‘system-wide’ and understand how their decisions impact other areas of the company, not just their own department.” This training will provide our organization with the tools needed to develop increased capabilities, reduce silo-based thinking, and establish more trust across the business.

“We want to infuse that entrepreneurial agility that served us so well as a young start-up many years ago,” said Kelley Robinson,

Corporate Human Resources Manager. “ E m p o w e r e d

employees are more capable to make

decisions that drive business success. The result is a

company that is much more agile and responsive to the market.”

There is a saying, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” As Lindt works towards the $1 billion mark, we are building this bridge together so it is structurally sound when we do cross it. The Operation: READY journey continues.

Training in action. Small groups were formed to create three functioning 4’ long bridges. Attendees thought it was a competition on design, flair, and/or functionality. In the middle of the assembly, it was announced that this was not a competition, but a collaborative event because the teams needed to actually join the bridges together. Now they had to work together. “The exercise demonstrated the value of collaboration to drive toward shared solutions and outcomes,” explained Kelley.

Lisa Cloutier

“We are fostering a mindset shift by encouraging our managers at all levels to think ‘system-wide’ and understand how their decisions

impact other areas of the company, not just their own department.”

Kelley Robinson

L I N D T L AT E S T14

B everly Dudek attended her first Lindt Chocolate University this fall and brought back her newfound knowledge to the Michigan City, Indiana retail store

she manages. If LCU gave out degrees, she would be at the top of the class. She would also be deserving of extra credit for civic service. Beverly was chosen as the 2016 Lindt Leader in the Community for her dedication to the Company and her great contribution to the community.

LOVING LINDTBeverly brings a vast and premium-focused retail pedigree with

her to Lindt. She has worked at the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets for 20 years, managing two retail stores before joining Lindt earlier this year.

Beverly attributes her success and longevity in retail management to her ability to lead with an emphasis on teamwork. “My leadership style is ‘total involvement’—my staff takes ownership and enthusiastically interacts with our customers.”

LCU gave Beverly a solid understanding of chocolate sales during the holiday season and time management advice. “I also loved the interaction with corporate and the factory tour was impressive.” Beverly now enjoys telling her customers how the truffles are made and wrapped, taking less than a second for each one. “I know they are going to a holiday party with a Lindt gift and telling their friends that story,” she said.

TREATING THE HOMELESS LIKE FAMILY

For the past six years, Beverly has been working with the homeless in a mission and shelter located in her church in Valparaiso. “When things are important to you, you make time. I think many of us have tunnel vision in our own lives. People need help,” Beverly said. “The only thing missing is some luck in their lives. They are underemployed, with poor credit. It’s a tough cycle. I try to treat them like family.”

Beverly goes beyond what is asked. “One year, I volunteered to work at the mission on New Year’s Eve. I bought streamers, confetti, blowers, and dressed up the hall. The men were so appreciative and felt valued.”

Beverly’s position at the Lindt store will also make the holidays sweeter for the men living at the mission. “At Christmas, we buy them hats, gloves, or shirts. I also make gift bags of sweets for each of them. I won’t have to go far to fill them this year,” she joked.

Many people have preconceived notions about the homeless, which makes Beverly more resolute to offer a human touch. “Time is the most valuable gift to give, because it’s very personal. Sometimes I will work the 1:30-5:30 AM shift on a Wednesday night. What is four hours of lost sleep? I have the luxury of my own home.”

Her matter-of-fact nature, a penchant for teamwork, and endless compassion are the reasons we are celebrating Beverly Dudek as the 2016 Lindt Leader in the Community.

in the Community 2016

BEVERLY DUDEK“When things are important

to you, you make time. I think many of us have tunnel vision in our own lives. People need help...”

Beverly Dudek Retail Store Manager, Michigan City, Indiana

LINDT LEADER

15H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

STRENGTHENING OUR LINDT

COMMUNITY

Good Deeds in ActionRED

CROSS Blood Drive

2016 Walk

for Autism

L I N D T L AT E S T16

2016 Reach

the Beach

2016 Day

of Caring

2016Thanksgiving Turkey

Give Away

17H O L I D AY 2 0 1 6

Winter White Chocolate Peppermint Truffle S’mores

Visit us online at lindtusa.com

Corporate Office Address:

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc.

One Fine Chocolate Place

Stratham, NH 03885

1.877.MY LINDT

• 12 round crackers (I use Ritz)• 12 large marshmallows• 12 White Chocolate Peppermint

Lindor Truffles• 2 cups of white chocolate chips• 2 tablespoons heavy cream• White edible sprinkles, garnish• Snowflake toothpicks, garnish

1. In medium saucepan, add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon cream. Melt the chocolate mixture over low heat, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and dip one whole cracker into the melted chocolate. Place the cracker on a sheet of parchment paper. Repeat process until all 12 crackers have been covered in white chocolate.

2. In another medium saucepan, add the remaining white chocolate chips and cream. Melt the chocolate mixture over low heat, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and dip the top of one peppermint truffle into the white chocolate. Place the truffle on a wire rack and garnish top with white sprinkles. Repeat process until all 12 truffles have been topped with chocolate and covered in sprinkles.

3. Once the chocolate has set on the crackers and truffles (typically one hour), use a torch with a small flame to crisp the outside of the 12 marshmallows. Set aside on parchment paper.

4. To assemble the s’mores, place a cracker on a plate, top with a marshmallow followed by a white truffle. To keep the truffle from rolling off, take a snowflake toothpick and stick it down the center of the truffle so it connects with marshmallow and cracker. Repeat process until all 12 s’mores are assembled. Enjoy! marshmallow and cracker.

* Recipe & Photos by Lauren Grier of ClimbingGrierMountain.com

RECIPEOne Sweet

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS