Peppermint Bark

Now that we are past Thanksgiving and on our way to Christmas, I'm going to be sharing my favorite recipes for this time of year.  I will start with peppermint bark!

You will need:

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (or baking chocolate)
8 oz. white chocolate chips (or baking chocolate)
2 tsp. cooking oil, divided
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract, divided
crushed candy canes (we use a hammer!)

I have found that it's very important to use a good brand of chocolate chips, like Nestle or Ghiradelli.  Store brand chips do NOT have the same great taste!  For the candy canes, we used the mini ones this year and they worked much better than the bigger ones.  They were easier to crush, and were already in little bags so I didn't have to waste a freezer bag!

Directions:

Line a 9 inch pan with foil.  In a double boiler, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 tsp cooking oil, and 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.  Melt, stirring frequently, until smooth.  Pour into pan, spread evenly, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.  The amount sprinkled is a matter of preference; sprinkle until you like the way it looks!  Chill until hardened, about 1 hour.

Next, combine white chocolate chips, 1 tsp. oil, and 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract in double boiler.  Melt, stirring frequently, until smooth.  Pour over top of chilled chocolate and spread evenly.  I've found it works best to pour it all in the center and then gently spread to the edges.  Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top (as much as desired), and gently press into chocolate.

Sorry for the bad lighting!

Chill until firm, about an hour.  Peel off foil, then either break or cut into pieces.  We've found this easier if it's set at room temperature a bit, after the initial hardening.

We make a lot of this every year for gifts, and also just for munching on.  Enjoy!!