Peppermint Bark

It has become common, that some of the oldest things are gaining importance all over again. The trend continues from clothes, to jewelry, to furniture, etc. The best part about this trend is that some of the traditional food, which has been eaten for a very long time, has come into prominence now. One such food is a chocolate confection called peppermint bark. It normally is made from peppermint candy, made in white chocolate and topped with dark chocolate. However, it is important to note, that peppermint bark can also mean peppermint candies covered with chocolate. You will find a number of commercially made peppermint barks, however, they will be named differently. They sometimes may also be called chocolate candy. One can also make them at home using the different recipes.

How to Make Peppermint Bark?

Most of us will find it difficult to resist dark chocolate, white chocolate combined with crisp peppermint candies. You can also make them as gifts for different occasions. There are various methods, which can be used to make peppermint bark. Different changes can be made to the recipes, when you are running out of time. For example, you can use candy coating or even untempered chocolate. Chocolate chips can simply be melted before using, there is no need to temper them. The only downside of this method is that untempered chocolate bark often tends to melt faster, therefore, such a candy will have to be stored in the refrigerator all the time.

Recipe # 1
This is one of the easiest recipes. You can use this recipe, when you are running out of time, but want to make the peppermint barks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups white chocolate, chopped
• 8 peppermint candy canes

Method

• Unwrap peppermint candy and crush them. You can either crush them in the food processor or crush it using a rolling pin in an airtight bag.
• Place aluminum foil on a cookie sheet.
• Temper dark chocolate and pour it onto the aluminum covered cookie sheet.
• Use a spatula to spread it to an even thickness.
• Then place the sheet in the refrigerator, till the chocolate sets.
• In the mean time, temper white chocolate and add three fourth of the crushed candy pieces to it.
• Now spread the white chocolate mixture on the dark chocolate in an even layer.
• Immediately spread the remaining candy pieces evenly on the surface.
• Now place the tray in the refrigerator again for about 30 to 40 minutes.
• After the peppermint bark is set, break it into uneven pieces.

Recipe # 2
This recipe does take a little longer than the previous recipe. However, no doubt the peppermint bark made using this recipe are simply heavenly. Dark chocolate can also be used. Let's see the recipe, without any more description.

Ingredients

• 17 ounces good-quality white chocolate finely chopped
• 7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 30 red-and-white-striped hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed
• 6 tablespoons whipping cream
• 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Method

• Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Use a double boiler to melt white chocolate.
• Melt the chocolate, till the candy thermometer reads 110 degree Fahrenheit.
• Pour two third of the melted white chocolate on the baking sheet and spread it well.
• Sprinkle quarter of crushed peppermint on the white chocolate.
• Place the sheet in the refrigerator till it sets.
• In the double boiler, mix bittersweet chocolate, peppermint extract and cream together.
• Heat the mixture, till it melts and is smooth.
• Keep the mixture aside for a few minutes and pour it over the white chocolate spread in even layer.
• Refrigerate till chocolate is set and is firm. It will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the same.
• Now rewarm the remaining white chocolate and as soon as it melts, spread it over the bittersweet chocolate layer.
• Spread the crushed peppermints on it.
• Chill it again for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Cut the chocolate into shapes and sizes as desired.
• Keep it aside for 15 minutes and serve, when it comes to room temperature.

Do you now agree with me, when I say making peppermint bark at home is not a difficult task? It is best to store them in the refrigerator, so that the chocolate does not melt. You can also use nuts in the recipe or some sprinkles, if you are making them for the kids.