Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

One of my favorite things to eat and make during the holiday season is Chocolate Peppermint Bark. What is it about candy canes, peppermint mocha's and peppermint bark that tells me that Christmas to coming? Here is a great holiday recipe on a budget for you to try.

You can leave this treat in some lucky guys stocking hanging on the fireplace. After the bark has cooled, I like to present this treat in a small glass container. Try to not forget the holiday bow :)

INGREDIENTS:
12 oz. of dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
5 regular sized candy canes
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
Hint: To give the bark that holiday feel, you can add red food dye to the melted white chocolate chips.

DIRECTIONS:
1.Break up peppermint candy into little pieces.
Hint: To get the candy canes crushed, try putting the canes into a freezer bag and then hitting them with a heavy pottery mug. You can use the bottom edge of the mug to target larger pieces. Once the pieces are small enough, pour them into another plastic bag so you can sprinkle them over the melted chocolate.

Melt the chocolate. I use a double boiler to melt Trader Joe's dark chocolate chips. Once melted, add the peppermint extract and stir.

2. Pour the melted chocolate out onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread out with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the peppermint candy chunks on to the chocolate and gently press them in with yours hands.

3. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container.

You can make bark with almost anything, including nuts, mini marshmallows, and dried fruit.

What is your favorite dessert that tells you that the holidays are coming? Do you think it's strange if I want to make Chocolate Peppermint Bark in the summer?

Happy almost Holidays to you and to your family!