Friday, December 5, 2008

A Chocolatey Christmas Treat!

Can we say in over my head with the recipes? UuUuUuhm…yes. But that’s okay! I have peppermint bark to save the day! I love this recipe any time of year. You can actually change out the topping and add your favorite nuts, trail mix, or ‘liqueur’. It’s awesome for parties and get-togethers and is normally the first thing to go. Trust me you’ll love it too!

Peppermint Bark


1 package of white chocolate (12 oz)
1 package of milk (you can have dark chocolate if you like) (12 oz)
1 tsp. peppermint extract (or your favorite liqueur)
Crushed Candy Canes (for topping)

Directions


In a double broiler (In my picture you’ll note a makeshift double broiler – my friend doesn’t have one), melt the milk chocolate until smooth. Now you’ll notice I have a mesh colander and a pirex bowl on top – gotta make it work…that’s all I gotta say. Please though, for safety reasons, please make sure you use a heatproof glass such as pirex or one that can be used in the oven.


Pour the melted chocolate onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I highly recommend a cookie sheet, (not what I used LOL) one with low sides because once the chocolate sets, it will be very hard to retrieve your delicious little treat. Don’t worry about perfectly shaping the chocolate as later you will be breaking this ‘bark’ into pieces.

Once on the cookie sheet, place in the refridgerator to set the top slightly.

Next, we want to melt the white chocolate. Same method as above. You may want to wait to do this until the chocolate layer is set. (Note: it is good to wait until the top of the chocolate is set so that when you pour the heated white chocolate on top, it won’t run together).

And pour over milk chocolate once the milk chocolate has set.

MmMm…Okay, next we can crush the peppermint.

One thing to note, buy the round peppermint candies to crush instead of the actual canes. I had the canes to use but boy is it time consuming to unwrap them. Also I would suggest using a towel and a rolling pin for mess free crushing, otherwise, things other than your peppermints get broken (That story another day)!

That said, sprinkle the crushed peppermint over the top and pop in the fridge until set (I’d say about 2 good hours).
Okay – this is what it may come out looking like when you use a cookie sheet instead of a deep dish:

1 comment:

'Cilla said...

Sistah Elle.. this sounds wonderful and full of calories. I am going to copy and try it. I am not a cook but I am willng to experiment with Man Child... I'll keep you posted.. or you can always send me some.. Hmmmmm

:-)