Friday, December 3, 2010

Peppermint Bark

After Wednesday's mayhem it was all I could do to pry my eyes open yesterday morning.  After having passed out from sheer mental exhaustion the night before, I think I'd convinced myself at some point during the night that I would be waking up on Saturday morning...and that may have actually occurred if the dreaded alarm clock hadn't gone off.  

First things first - what to do after a bad day?  Consume chocolate.  Okay who am I kidding....what to do in the middle of a bad day?  Consume chocolate.  And I had tried to do that the previous evening, but Chef's cat insisted on skidding all over the parchment paper and trying to lick hot chocolate out of the double boiler-like contraption I'd assembled.  When unsuccessful she decided to 'show me'  and took off running into the living room, jumped on the sofa table, slid across and sent a huge piece of coral crashing to the hardwood floors.  It was then that I just gave up and left the house to answer the call of shrimp and carnitas tacos.  *happy place*

With thoughts of those homemade peanut butter cups (seen here) still fresh in my mind, I set out to give the bark another go (no pun intended to all the cat readers out there).  I'm beginning to think, time factor cooperating, that I may not eat over-the-counter cheap chocolate again.  This stuff was easy to make and tastes AMAZING! It's not even been a full day and I'm a quarter of a huge cookie sheet down.  Happy days are here again... 

Homemade Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
1.5   12 oz. bags milk or dark chocolate chips (I used dark)
1.5   12 oz. bags white chocolate chips
3t     vegetable oil - divided in half
0.5t   peppermint extract
enough parchment paper to cover a large cookie sheet

Method
  • Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper
  • Crush some candy canes. You'll need about 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes.
  • Melt the chocolate chips and 1.5 tsp of vegetable oil in a double boiler, stirring constantly.  *I don't have a double boiler so I put my chocolate in a smallish bowl that just fit on the top of a small pot.  In the pot I had enough water to fill the bottom and maybe half an inch up the side, and had warmed the water on the lowest heat possible before placing the bowl of chocolate on top to melt.  Works like a charm!  *Do not overheat the chocolate and stir constantly until melted*
  • Spread the melted dark or milk chocolate on the cookie sheet and allow it to cool until set - about an hour.  You want it to be tacky - not soft and not completely hardened.

    chocolate skating rink, anyone?

  • Melt the white chocolate chips and 1.5tsp of vegetable oil over a double boiler, stirring constantly. (Follow same instructions above).
  • Stir in 1/2 tsp. of peppermint extract when the white chocolate is melted.
  • Spread the white chocolate over the cooled dark chocolate, completely covering the dark.
  • Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate before it sets.


  • Break the peppermint bark up into pieces after it sets.
It's great set out for nibbles on a larger tray.
Equally as marvy in a larger chunk for, say, individual breakfasts.
Or how about in these little treat bags to pass out to friends?
I'm thinking about putting them at each place setting for holiday dinners.

And with that I bid you a rest-filled, joyous weekend.  I have no humor left in me; no pithy comments or smart aleck remarks.  I'm spent.  This week was nuts and all the Thanksgiving rest I stored up in my sleep account has been depleted.  *wah* Pardon me while I zone out and go into trim-the-tree mode...anyone heard of a faux fur tree?  How about a sequined one?  What are you guys up to this weekend?  I've been up to my eyeballs, still only one Christmas gift down (help!!) and not had a moment to spare to comment on many of your blogs.  I am hoping it'll even out a bit and I'll be able to catch up next week.  Thank you so much for hanging in there with me!

82 comments:

BeautyH2T said...

this looks so amazing,I love mint things in every form and this looks delicious- send it to scotland please :)

much love xxx

jemina said...

So yummmmiiiieeeeeee
This is definitely a MUST TRY recipe
I'm bookmarking it sweetheart, thanks for sharing :)

Kisses
J
xoxo

Stacey said...

Doing some decorating isn't such a bad idea-lol! This peppermint recipe looks like it's worth giving it a go-so yummy-thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend too! XX

Lori said...

This looks easy peasy ~ I may try it but I think I may try by hand at peanut brittle this year ~ God help me!

Anonymous said...

This sounds easy enough. I am having a small dinner party tomorrow if I have time maybe I will make the gift bags for the tablescape! It looks just like the Williams Sonoma bark which we LOVE! Don't feel bad I haven't bought a gift yet either.. for some reason I can't get into it yet... I think I need snow. xo

Laura said...

YUM! These look delicious!!

L x
Half Dressed

allison said...

Those are so good! I wish I could make them, but then I would eat them too..Have to take off 10 lbs.

I'm sorry things have been rough for you lately, Carrie. You're so vibrant and fun. The incident the other day was beyond ridiculous.

Dawn said...

OH here's a big hug..
I can imagine tired like that....as I have been there.
Love that candy....think you should mail me a big gigantic box of it;)
Have a restful weekend Carrie.

shopgirl said...

This looks DELICIOUS! And what a great little gift!

Alleen said...

Peppermint bark is absolutely my favorite! Last year, we went through 2 huge containers of it and I can say I ate just about 80% of it! I have been good thus far and haven't purchased or made any YET! However, it is December and you have inspired me...will be making this weekend! xx

Have a great weekend!!! xx

Chas said...

That looks sooo good! Peppermint bark is my favourite so I definitely will have to make some in the near future! Have a good weekend!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love bark! It's on my list as what I'm making to give teachers and friends this year!!

Tiffany Kadani said...

As I'm making all my gifts this year, this would be perfect! I am definitely book marking this one!

erica said...

I love peppermint bark. I made it last year, but no one at it which was a bummer. I still want to make it again this year, but if no one is going to eat it I probably shouldnt make it lol.

xo

essentially aimee said...

Oh no you didn't. THAT LOOKS AMAZING. I wish my mother would make some! Because lord knows I can't cook haha. I'll defintiely hold onto this recipe!

Anonymous said...

Now, would you please take this little bag from the last pic and put it in a little box and send it to me? Thank you!

I just had this horrible driving class. Gosh, I hate my teacher. Thanks god it´s friday! Well but still... my week wasnt as bad as yours.. :)

Babe I wish you a beautiful, relaxing weekend!! No mayhem :) I´m gonna stay at home both days I think... Ugh, no I can´t .. I have to practise parking, my driving test is next week....

xxx
-M-

Lilacandgrey said...

can you believe I never had peppermint bark? But for some reason, seeing it here in our pictures makes me want to try it :)
<3 Cara
Lilac and Grey

Staley Mc said...

I love peppermint bark! This is a great recipe!

Daniela said...

thanks for the recipe! super easy and looks delicious! have a restful weekend!

Stephanie Shepherd said...

I've been indulging in everything peppermint this season - i'll have to try this for myself! xx

Courtney Erin said...

I am so unskilled in the kitchen but I am going to try this!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Editor said...

Who needs Williams-Sonoma!

Jessica said...

Dear Carrie, I am sending you my address in an email so you can have some of this fabulous, delicious, scrumptious peppermint bark shipped directly to my house. (I prefer overnight shipping, please) Thanks!

Love,

Jessica

haha yummmmm! looks perfect! ahh

Jen said...

That looks like the bark I see in the gourmet candy shops here in Mnpls!! So, so yummy!!

Brooke T said...

YUM! I'd skate all over that chocolate :D

little luxury list said...

This made me happy - thanks for sharing and I'm saving this! Hope your work gets done and you can relax soon!

Unknown said...

awesome recipe! I need to save your page link - looks so yummy!

Jamie said...

This looks super easy and FUN! I think I am going to try doing this. How cute packaging them in the little baggies!
This weekend I am going to attempt holiday decorating...I need some Christmas cheer!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Closet Fashionista said...

Mmm tasty! Definitely a good way to spend the say after a bad day XD
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

the chirpy bird said...

OMG!!!! Get outa here! You've completely inspired me lovely! I must get a cracking on some bark creations! There's nothing like a little {who am I kidding, giant} chunk at evenings end!
Fabulous!
xox tash

Unknown said...

so pretty! i actually thought about making some myself this weekend, but you had to go and do it perfectly, so i don't think i can anymore. :)

xx

Nikki said...

omg i havent had peppermint bark in years and I loooove it! I always thought it was impossible to make at home! Yours looks perfect. Was it easy?
Hope you have a wonderful weekend Carrie!

xx
Nikki

Jude said...

Drool drool! (Sorry, couldn't help myself!) I canNOT wait to try this out - they look so beautiful and scrumptious!

Natalie said...

This is one of my favorite holiday foods...thanks for the recipe!

Josie said...

Ummmm, hello, delecatbleness. Which is a word because I just said it. This looks soooo tasty, Carrie -- you're right; it's the perfect therapy. And that little bag is adorable -- such a darling hostess gift! Wishing you a super relaxing weekend -- you deserve, it, doll!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Valerie said...

This looks AMAZING and so easy! I need to make it right away. Or do I want to do the peanut butter cups first? Decisions, decisions. I'm off the health wagon in a major way and well into my holiday diet (which is basically a "see it" diet, if I see it, I eat it). It doesn't bode well for my skinny jeans.

This week seems like a month long and I'm pooped. I hope you have some time to relax this weekend and enjoy some more peppermint bark. I'll be enjoying some wine and cheese, having brunch with a girlfriend, and decorating for Christmas (finally). Have a great one, Carrie!

xo
Valerie

justagirlLaura said...

This looks AMAZING and DELICIOUS!! Well done, and you totally deserve it!

TheChambrayCountess said...

This. Looks. Delicious. I love mint + chocolate and can't wait to make this!!

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

First off, that bark looks ridic! Wish I had some with me right now so I could gnaw at it like a dog while I sit at my desk. Secondly, after the week you've had you deserve another weekend of rest! xoxo

ejb said...

So delicious! I absolutely love the peppermint and chocolate combination and this recipe looks so easy to do! I hope you have a wonderful restful weekend :)

Claire Kiefer said...

Carrie, that looks amazing and I really love it when you share recipes. I'm totally gonna make this, and I'm especially grateful that you described what you did to make up for not having a double boiler (cause I don't either!). I'm a sucker for anything that involves chocolate OR peppermint and especially both! You know what else I looooooove? Those soft chewy peppermint taffy-like candies that are sold this time of year! They look like taffy and they have lil Christmas trees on them? Oh man. So good.

PursuitOfLLT said...

ahh i'm making peppermint bark this weekend! mine will never look as good as yours, i'm afraid!

i live for william and sonoma's. but at $20 odd dollars a pack, i'm over it.

have a fabulous weekend, carrie!

Angela Alvarez said...

thanks for your comment!! :)
i follow you!
xx

fashionbit

Alicia Lund said...

Peppermint bark is one of my favorite parts about the holidays!!

Celeste said...

This looks amazingggggggg-- I hope I have time to make some this month!

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

oh wow. my husband would LOVE this!

20 YORK STREET said...

You are spent yet you had the time to make these? Oh babe, you truly are a Superwoman!

xox

Anonymous said...

Shrimp and carnitas tacos? Sounds like my happy place of shrimp quesadillas, which I think I'm having for dinner tonight. (What the eff is up with this week? It needs to stop. Now.)

Ok, my Mom keeps calling and telling me we need to do some "holiday baking" and so far all I had counted on was 1) this giving me an excuse to get one of those aprons from Anthropologie I love 2) hopefully by baking she meant she'd cook and I'd consume cocktails. But now I'm thinking this might work too, and probably meets her criteria a lot better than my ideas. Me in the kitchen. Watch out (even though you're across the country).

Becca. said...

mmmmmmm that looks so yummy! i want to make some now!

XOXO, BECCA
www.fashion-train.co.uk

Unknown said...

omg that looks delish!

Isabel said...

if i made that id eat the whole tray in one sitting.

hip hip gin gin said...

Yum! That looks amazing!

this free bird said...

omg love maegan commented on my blog!!!

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

YUM! I totally agree with you. Chocolate solves all of life's troubles.

kimbirdy said...

i'm glad you survived the week! and i hope the weekend is just amazing to make up for all the mayhem. :)

i love all the fun things you can do with chocolate! i'm going to be making some peppermint bark, peanut brittle, and your peanut butter cups for treats this year. yay!

also a fun chocolate gift idea - spray an empty ice tray with pam, sprinkle a flavor of your choosing (cinnamon, brown sugar, crushed peppermint, etc.), then pour in melted chocolate, and add a mini lollipop stick. after the chocolate has hardened you can add some mini marshmellows to the stick and wrap them up all pretty like. voila! hot chocolate on a stick! to use, twirl the stick around in a mug of hot milk until it's all melted and delicious! mmm...

A Crimson Kiss said...

Gah, I couldn't have said it better-all my stored up Thanksgiving relaxation is completely sapped after this crazy week. Thank goodness for you and this amazing peppermint bark recipe-I might just survive!

Raez said...

looks so good! i'll have to try this at home myself:)

xx raez

J. said...

Ummm this looks insanely good. Like lick my computer screen good but I'll try to refrain since it's a new computer.

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

CRAP

Reyna @reynasblogxo said...

Looks soo good, like the perfect holiday treat! xx

Marcie said...

Ok, I need a cool gift idea for co-workers and you just solved it, Carrie! That chocolate plate is adorable too!!

Have a great weekend!
xo M

Sandra said...

I'm PMSing...I so didn't need to see a picture of homemade peppermint bark...sigh...off to find some chocolate...
I will be making this recipe for the holidays though!

LyddieGal said...

I love peppermint bark -- and it really is so simple to make and even simpler to consume ;)

Chic on the Cheap

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Again- you're just like haha look what I have that you don't- yah well I might not have home made peppermint bark but at least I don't have a cat!

For real- Super cute idea to give out to friends- eating it all might not work to your benefit- Have a great w/e lady!

Leia said...

YUM, must try this!

Leia

Poppies and Sunshine said...

My friend and I are getting together soon for holiday baking and she said she wanted to make peppermint bark. So how perfect is this post. Thanks for the recipe!

jenn from midlife modern said...

Oh man. I stalk Williams-Sonoma the entire month of December trying to score free samples of this stuff. It must be SO much more cost-effective to make it at home. Thank you for this. You are officially off Santa's naughty list.

Joyti said...

Your peppermint bark looks SO pretty! I love the gorgeous Christmasy color. I have a friend who LOVES this, maybe I'll make him some :)

Unknown said...

Looks yummy!! Thanks for sharing x

Anna Walker said...

I LOVE peppermint bark! :)
SO so so so lovely! It's super amazing and kind of easy to make.
I hope you're doing so much better, and that you have a fabulous weekend!

http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

Meghan said...

great! I am looking for something easy to make and pack in a cookie tin to take to family in Pittsburgh and this will be it :)

jessica lynn said...

delish!!

Annabel said...

yes! this recipe totally cheered me up--its rainy and I have to study today, so a little baking break is right up my alley :)

pepperandchips.blogspot.com

She Wore It Well said...

This is brilliant! So many it for friends and co-workers!! YAHOOO!!!

I had a splendid, summery weekend in Sydney and found my MM pod ring (behind the door in a bag that I intended to throw out, my Tag watch was in there too!?!?!?!? WHAT THEEEEEEEEEEEE

OnTheRacks said...

YUM! So festive... I need to try this!

Unknown said...

This looks delicious and actually possibly do-able for me! This Thanksgiving kick-started my cooking enthusiasm so I might just have to try this.
Now off to check out those peanut butter cups!

xxo Cristina

Jess said...

Oh girl - I'm definitely gonna have to make this!! I'm like drooling here.

I tried pumpkin pancakes for the first time today and they were a-mazing. Oh how I love holiday treats ;)

Lila said...

I make the same treat each December for my neighbors. Funny the recipe is the same except I use milk chocolate and i do not put oil in the white chocolate chips.

As soon as i make it i have to wrap it up and give it away before my family eats it all.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

yum!!! Yours looks so good. I love peppermint bark because the presentation can be sloppy and it still looks right. You're so great- cook so well and always look fabulous, my idol!

Annie said...

Such a fun and delicious homemade gift!!! I think I'll definitely be making some of this.. I've been trying to do as many homemade gifts as possible this year - it's so fun so far! Thanks for another idea :) xo

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

This looks great!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Looks like you and Meg are two peas in a pod. HA! Maybe I should try BOTH of y'alls recipes!

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