This time of year I seem to head into the kitchen to make some family holiday favorites that tend to disappear as fast as I make them. One of those is Peppermint Bark. It’s really easy to make, and makes a great gift. I’ll describe a single batch, but it’s easily increased to make enough to give away.
You’ll need:
- 4 oz high quality milk or dark chocolate-broken into squares
- 4 oz high quality white chocolate-broken into squares
- package of candy canes or peppermint star candy-broken into small pieces
- Line a small baking sheet (7×10) with waxed paper.
- Break apart and melt the milk or dark chocolate in the microwave according to package directions. (Hint: heat until almost melted, stir until all remaining pieces are melted and chocolate is creamy)
- Spread over the waxed paper until even.
- Place pan in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready, melt white chocolate in the microwave according to package directions. (Hint: heat until almost melted, stir until all remaining pieces are melted and chocolate is creamy)
- Once melted, remove baking sheet from freezer, spread the melted white chocolate on top of the frozen milk or dark chocolate. (Be careful not to work quickly so the 2 chocolates don’t start to mix.).
- Sprinkle crushed candy over the top, pressing in the bigger polices to secure them.
- Place in freezer for 30 minutes to overnight.
- When firmly solid, peel off waxed paper and break apart into pieces by hand.
Some helpful hints:
* Some recipes use chocolate chips, but I’ve found they melt too easily when serving.
*I like to melt the chocolate in the microwave. Just break into pieces, put in a microwave safe bowl and heat as directed. I usually cook in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. Stop before it’s fully melted. Stir to finish melting the few remaining pieces. You’ll have smooth, creamy melted chocolate in less than 2 minutes.
* Easiest way to crush the candy is to place in a plastic baggie, seal and pound gently with the smooth side of a meat mallet.
Enjoy!!
| Peppermint Bark | Print |
- 4 oz high quality milk or dark chocolate-broken into squares
- 4 oz high quality white chocolate-broken into squares
- package of candy canes or peppermint star candy-broken into small pieces*
- Line a small baking sheet (7x10) with waxed paper.
- Break apart and melt the milk or dark chocolate in the microwave according to package directions. (Hint: heat until almost melted, stir until all remaining pieces are melted and chocolate is creamy)
- Spread over the waxed paper until smooth.
- Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready, melt white chocolate in the microwave according to package directions. (Hint: heat until almost melted, stir until all remaining pieces are melted and chocolate is creamy)
- Once melted, remove baking sheet from freezer, spread the melted white chocolate on top of the frozen milk or dark chocolate. (Be careful not to work quickly so the 2 chocolates don't start to mix.).
- Sprinkle crushed candy over the top, pressing in the bigger polices to secure them.
- Place in freezer for 30 minutes to overnight.
- When firmly solid, peel off waxed paper and break apart into pieces by hand.
* Some recipes use chocolate chips, but they will melt too easily when serving.