Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Let the holidays begin! I love Peppermint and Chocolate, all year, but especially around the holidays, so throughout December I'll be giving recipes or linking to recipes that include chocolate and peppermint.

First off, several of the great chocolatiers make wonderful Peppermint Bark, a personal favorite. Want to make your own? It's simple and makes great gifts. As always, start with a high grade white chocolate for the very best.

Here's an easy recipe:

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

2 pounds white chocolate
candy canes, crushed to make 1 cup

Heat white chocolate in double boiler over low heat until all is melted. Add crushed candy cane to white chocolate. Make sure white chocolate stays warm. Pour mixture onto wax paper-lined cookie sheet, spreading very thinly with spatula. Place cookie sheet in freezer until the mixture has hardened. Take out of freezer and crack bark into small pieces. Remove from wax paper and store at room temperature. Do not refreeze.

Want to use the microwave? Try this recipe:

MICROWAVE PEPPERMINT BARK

1 lb. white chocolate
1/2 c. crushed candy canes

Place chocolate in microwave-safe dish. Microwave on 50% power, stirring often, until chocolate is melted and of creamy consistency. Stir in crushed candy canes. Spread on cookie sheet and place in the freezer until set (about 20 minutes). Break into pieces.

Want Dark Chocolate with that Peppermint Bark? Check out Stephanie Jaworski's recipe on JoyofBaking.com

And, here's a really cool recipe for Candy Bark on Candy Dish Blog (the official candy blog of the National Confectioners Assn) that uses crushed up chocolate cookies or oreos for the base. Very cool.