Peppermint Bark

I posted a pic of my peppermint bark the other night and it was a huge hit at work, so much so that I’m putting together one more batch this weekend.  I brought some to my office, the office across the walkway, the field office where my friend works, and to some people at another building where I work.

It’s easy to make and I think it’s a nice way to let people know you appreciate them or even a way to simply brighten up what might be a pretty dreary day.  I know if I’m having a bad day and someone brings me cookies, it helps to drastically improve my mood.

There’s tons of different ways to make it and I might have posted it last year but instead of searching the archives I’ll risk posting it twice.

I love making bark because it looks fancy but it’s literally melting chocolate and pouring it onto a sheet pan.  It also doesn’t take much time to make so it’s great to take along to a last minute holiday party.

I’ll precede this by saying I’m not a chef and this is definitely not an original recipe but it’s fun and easy to make so I thought I would share.

These are your ingredients.  You can also use candy canes instead of peppermint candies.  I actually recommend using the candy canes because they’re easier to crush up.  

First melt the milk chocolate.  Most of these bricks of chocolate are microwaveable so that makes it extra easy, just watch the times and be patient.  I do not have a microwave (Haven’t had one for over a year now, read about it here) so I used a pot to melt the chocolate.

Keys for this are patience, low heat, stirring almost constantly but not too much, and paying attention.  Too much heat, too much stirring, and not paying attention can result in burnt chocolate (I speak from experience, lol).Once the chocolate is melted you’ll pour it onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and spread it out.  This first batch wasn’t spread as thin as it should’ve been so it was a bit more challenging to break apart but you can make it as thick or thin as you like.  

Once I have the milk chocolate done I usually place it in the fridge to set a little while I melt the white chocolate.  When the white chocolate is almost completely melted add in 1-2 teaspoons of mint extract and continue stirring.

Keep in mind you don’t want the milk chocolate to set completely so the two chocolates can join together but you don’t want it too melty because otherwise you will end up with a swirled chocolate.  The swirled chocolate is not bad (again speaking from experience 😉 ) but it’s not peppermint bark.

Once the white chocolate is done, pour it onto the milk chocolate using a spoon or spatula to spread it then sprinkle on the pieces of peppermint.  I usually use the spoon or spatula to tap the peppermint into the chocolate then sprinkle a little more over the top.

It sets quickly at room temperature but if you’re in a hurry put it in the fridge and it’ll be set even faster, usually less than 30 minutes.

Voila!  Break it apart, put it in cute treat boxes, and watch the compliments roll in as you impress people with this tasty holiday treat.

I forgot to get pics but Walmart has little holiday treat boxes that look like takeout boxes for only .97 cents that work perfectly.  Hope you enjoy!  I’ve been making bark for a few years now so it’s definitely become a holiday tradition of mine.

What’s your favorite holiday treat to make and share?