Okay so everyone knows peppermint bark stars flooding the stores come Christmas time, but it can get expensive. This is a recipe, but I’m combining it with a DIY because you’re making it at home and it’s a great little gift to present to friends, loved ones, or as a host/hostess gift. It’s the same sweet treat that everyone loves, but has the special quality of being home made. I’m especially fond of home made gifts because they not only show that you’re thinking about them, but that you’re willing to take some of your precious time to actually create something just for them. Side note: this is really a great gift because it’s home made AND takes practically no skill or time at all!
Ingredients:
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1.5 bags semi sweet chocolate chips
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1 bag white chocolate chips
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3 full sized candy canes
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1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Fill a pot about 1/2 full with water and bring to a simmer. Put the semi sweet chocolate chips in a big, heat proof bowl (this means metal or pyrex glass) and set it on top of the simmering water. Note: Make sure the water does NOT touch the bottom of the bowl. You want it to steam up and gently melt the chocolate, otherwise it will burn. Let chocolate melt a bit and in the meantime, line a 9×13 rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper and coat with cookie spray. Take a paper towel and wipe away the excess so nothing sticks, but there isn’t a lot of oil left behind. When the chocolate is beginning to melt, stir with a rubber spatula until it is glossy and smooth. Pour into the cookie sheet and spread into an even layer, gently shaking the sheet to make the layer as smooth as possible. Let it set in the fridge for about 10 minutes while you take care of the white chocolate layer.
After the first layer has been in the fridge for about 5 minutes, you can start on the white chocolate layer. Either clean out the bowl and spatula you used for the other chocolate, or grab a new set. Pour the bag of white chocolate chips into the bowl along with 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. (Peppermint extract can be found at Trader Joes and is great to keep around the house during this time of year. Think peppermint mochas, etc!) It is VERY important that you mix the white chocolate chips with the extract in the bowl, on the counter, AWAY FROM THE HEAT as the chocolate will seize up if you do it while hot. Once it is combined, you can repeat the process of melting the white chocolate over the double boiler.
While the white chocolate is melting, put 3 full sized, unwrapped candy-canes in a ziplock bag, and place the bags between two kitchen towels. Now comes the fun part where you can take out any holiday time frustration or pent up energy! Hit the candy canes until they all get evenly crushed in sprinkle-able pieces. (I know all of you know what peppermint bark looks like!)
Pour the white chocolate over the partially set semi-sweet chocolate layer and spread out evenly. While the white chocolate is still warm, sprinkle with the crushed candy canes, and voila! Peppermint bark! I let the bark set up in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes, and then take it out and let it come to room temp. This way, when you go to gift it, the bark will be used to the room temperature, and not immediately melt. After a couple of hours, lift out the parchment paper and break it up to a size you like. Enjoy! Peppermint bark from scratch, and on a budget! Tip: Candy canes can be purchased at the dollar store, along with fun little gift bags to really make it festive on the cheap!