Holiday Gift Idea: Peppermint Bark

With the holiday season upon us, it's time to whip up an awesome holiday treat that's easy to make, inexpensive, and has that wonderful WOW factor from anyone who tastes it.  This candy makes an impressive gift for family, co-workers, unanticipated holiday visitors, neighbors, and friends.  It is so simple to make and tastes heavenly.  The following method is my favorite for gift giving because it is so pretty.  However, if you prefer, the following recipe can be completed using only white or dark chocolate alone.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

One 12 oz bag of dark chocolate chips.
One 12 oz bag of white chocolate chips.
2 tsp vegetable oil.
About 30 starlight peppermints or 5-7 candy canes, standard size.
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract.

STEP ONE:  Put your peppermint candies into a sturdy gallon size freezer bag.  Place the bag onto a wooden cutting board and crush the candy to the desired-size pieces using a wooden rolling pin.  You can also place the bag onto a cement floor and carefully use a hammer to crush the candy.

STEP TWO:  Line a rimmed baking pan with wax paper.

STEP THREE:  Place the white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl or in a heat safe bowl placed over a pan of steaming water until just melted.  Mix in 1 tsp of vegetable oil.  (The purpose of the oil is to simulate tempering of the chocolate.  This will keep the chocolate shiny, give it a nice "snap" when it's broken, and prevent white spots from appearing.  These spots occur in untempered chocolate due to the cocoa butter rising to the surface of the chocolate.)  Pour the melted chocolate onto the wax paper covered cookie sheet and spread it around with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is evenly spread to the edges of the pan.  Set aside.

STEP FOUR: Heat the dark chocolate in the same manner.  Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract.  Pour this mixture over the white chocolate, which should be just slightly set.  Use a knife to swirl the chocolates around a bit to create a marbled look. Just a couple of swirls is all you need; otherwise, your chocolates will blend together too much and no longer look pretty.

STEP FIVE:  Immediately sprinkle the desired amount of the crushed peppermint candies over the top of the chocolate and carefully push them into the chocolate using the palm of your hand.

STEP SIX:  Place the cookie sheet in a cool place until the chocolate is well set.  Once set, break the candy into the desired sized pieces.

STEP SEVEN:  Store the candy in an airtight container.  If the candy is to be used as a gift, place it into decorative party bags or holiday tins lined with wax paper.  Keep in a cool place prior to eating or giving as a gift.