Peppermint Bark

If you want to make a homemade gift but aren't much of a baker, here is the perfect recipe for you. Peppermint bark is quick and easy to prepare and can be packaged in in holiday tins or cellophane bags tied up in ribbon. You can make peppermint bark with dark, milk or white chocolate. There are only three ingredients to make a batch and it requires very little kitchen equipment. The following recipe makes just over two pounds.

2 16oz. bags of chocolate chips (premium quality dark, milk or white chocolate)
1 Tps. peppermint extract
8-10 candy canes

Place chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for one minute, stir and return to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Once the chocolate has melted, stir in peppermint extract. Place unwrapped candy canes in a zip close bag and smash with a rolling pin or other object. Add crushed candy cane pieces to the chocolate, mixing well.

Place a piece of waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Pour out chocolate on top of waxed paper and spread evenly until about 1/4 inch thick. Place in refrigerator for an hour. Once the chocolate hardens, break off triangular pieces in varying sizes and store in an airtight container.