Peppermint Bark

So here we are again at the end of the year. Baking goodies, attending parties, making gift baskets for kids’ teachers. Oh boy, how much I love this season. So this year apart from normal cookie baking me and my 5 year old wanted to make something different. And since I have always loved the Peppermint bark which is available during this season only by the big chocolate companies, thought of giving it a try at home. After researching a bit, came to know that it is a ‘No Bake’ recipe so kid’s friendly too. Wow, I am a happy mommy now J

So here we go.

Ingredients:

1.    Semi-sweet baking chocolate bar: 1 (4 Oz)
2.    Dark chocolate-Mint Morsels: 1 Bag (10 Oz) (Optional)
3.    White Chocolate Morsels: 2 Bags (12 Oz each)
4.    Candy canes: 12-15 small candy canes
5.    Ziploc bag: 1
6.    Rolling Pin: 1

Method:

1.    Take 15-20 small candy canes and put them in a Ziploc bag. Put this bag on a napkin and start to (literally) bang them with rolling pin, to crush them in small, big pieces (your choice). If you are taking big candy canes then 5-6 should be enough.

2.    Take a microwave safe bowl and put semi-sweet chocolate bar in it. Break it in few pieces.
3.    Now put it in microwave for 45 sec.
4.    Take it out and stir with a spatula. At this time the chocolate will be still little hard.
5.    Now put it back in microwave for 30 sec more.
6.    Take it out and stir it. The chocolate will start to melt a little. In the same bowl add dark chocolate-mint morsels. (Now this ingredient is optional. If you are not putting these then take two semi-sweet baking chocolate bars and put crushed candy canes once the chocolate melts.)
7.    Put it back in the microwave for 45 sec more. Stir it and put it back in the microwave for more 30 sec.
8.    Stir it vigorously, by now the chocolate should be melted and in pouring consistency. If it is not then, put it back in microwave for 10 sec intervals till it melts. Since every microwave is different, the time may vary. Be very careful not to burn the chocolate.
9.    Take a rectangular glass (Pyrex)/ or non-stick pan and line it with parchment paper. Do not grease the pan.
10.    Pour the melted chocolate in the pan. Even it with spatula lightly. It should be of 2-3 mm in thickness.
11.    Put it in the refrigerator for one hour.
12.    After one hour take a microwave safe bowl and put two bags of white chocolate morsels.
13.    Put it in the microwave for 45 sec. Take it out and stir.
14.    Put it back in the microwave for 45 sec more. Take it out and stir it vigorously. By this time the chocolate will start to melt.
15.    White chocolate takes less time to melt than the dark chocolate.
16.    Put it back in the microwave for 30 sec more. At this time after stirring vigorously, you will get melted chocolate in pouring consistency.
17.    Take the dark chocolate pan out from the refrigerator.
18.    Pour the white chocolate on it and start to spread evenly immediately.
19.    Spread lot of crushed peppermint on it.
20.    Put it back in the refrigerator for one more hour.
21.    Take it out along with the parchment on a plain surface like wooden baking board or chopping board.
22.    Start to cut it with a sharp knife. Since it’s a bark, you may not be able to cut it in any particular shape.
23.    Put it in a serving plate or gift box to give it away.

I’m sure all your family members and friends will love and appreciate your creativity this holiday!!!

Happy Holidays to you all.