Peppermint bark

 

One of my favorite holiday time treats.  For starters, I love the flavor of mint.  Anything mint really works for me, so this is an obvious choice as a favorite.  And I would be lying if I didn't admit that the ease of preparation of this candy didn't play a role in securing its place on the 'favorite list', as well.

This is a terrific kitchen project for youngsters (with supervision for the wee ones).  It packages up nicely for a holiday gift for friends, teachers, co-workers...anyone you'd like to remember.

Ingredients:

12 ounces Baker's white chocolate (or any white chocolate with cocoa butter listed as an ingredient)
1/2 cup crushed starlight mints (or candy canes)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Directions:

Layer a cookie sheet with wax paper, and set aside.

To the bottom of a double boiler, add water, and bring it to a very low simmer.  Affix top over bottom, and add the white chocolate to the top.  Keeping the water at a very low simmer, stir occasionally, until the chocolate is melted.

Remove top of double boiler from the bottom, add crushed mints and peppermint extract, and stir to combine.  Once well incorporated, pour candy onto your wax paper lined cookie sheet, and with a rubber spatula, spread to an even, thin layer.  Set in a very cool spot to set up.  If you have room in your refrigerator, that works well.  If not, any cool spot will work.

When candy is set up, break into roughly 2" pieces.  Store in the refrigerator, until ready to eat/use.  We use this bark in our peppermint ice cream.