Peppermint Bark Food

LOADED PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles.
• Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. Put half of the bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and heat, stirring, until most of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir in the remaining bittersweet chocolate a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan if needed, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
• Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the bottom of the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, put all of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
• Dollop tablespoons of the white chocolate mixture over the bittersweet chocolate. Drag a toothpick in loops and swirls through the white and dark chocolate to create a marbling effect. Sprinkle immediately with the chopped peppermint patties and crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour.
• Lift the bark out of the dish using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

ALMOST-FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
• Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
• Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250. Line a 9x13 pan with foil, letting it hang over the sides. Spray foil. Pour the chocolate chips in an even layer on the foil. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until almost melted. Remove from oven, smooth with an offset spatula or knife. Place in refrigerator until cold and firm, about 20 minutes.
• Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water (don't let bottom of bowl touch water), until chocolate is almost melted. If you are daring, you can use your microwave. Remove bowl from water and stir until completely melted, stirring in extract. Let cool a little bit so it doesn't melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour this over chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy (I pressed the candy in just a bit).
• Chill until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan and shake off excess candy. Trim edges. Cut into 2" wide strips. Peel bark from foil and cut each strip as desired. Chill in covered container. Makes about 2 pounds.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Spread 1/3 of the peppermint candy over a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with wax paper.
• Melt the milk chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, just until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over peppermint candy in the prepared pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the candy on top of the milk chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
• Melt the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Stir in the oil-based peppermint flavoring. Pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate, then spread the remaining 1/3 peppermint candy on top.
• Refrigerate until the white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Cut or break into pieces to serve.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse on/off several times for 5 to 10 seconds each, until the canes have been crushed into small pieces.
• Alternately, place the candy canes in a large zip-close bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to roll/smash the candy canes until they are the size you desire.
• Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with smooth aluminum foil.
• Melt or temper the dark chocolate.
• Pour the chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet and use an offset spatula or knife to spread it to an even thickness, a little more than 1/8-inch thick. The chocolate does not have to reach all sides of the sheet, as it will be broken up later anyhow.
• Place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the white chocolate.
• While the dark chocolate hardens, melt or temper the white chocolate.
• Stir in most of the candy cane bits, reserving about a quarter of the mixture to put on top.
• Remove the tray from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate.
• While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the entire surface evenly. Press down very lightly to ensure they stick.
• Place the tray back in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes.
• Once the peppermint bark is completely set, break into small, uneven pieces by hand. Serve immediately or bring to your annual Christmas cookie swap and enjoy.

PEPPERMINT BARK RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Place the mini candy canes in a zip top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small chunks. Transfer to a medium bowl.
• In a separate medium bowl, stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate chips. Pour onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Freeze for 5 minutes.
• Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the melted white chocolate over the chocolate, spreading evenly with a spatula.
• Sprinkle the crushed mini candy canes over the white chocolate.
• Freeze for at least 1 hour.
• Remove the bark from the freezer and break into pieces.
• Enjoy!

PEPPERMINT BARK COOKIES

Steps:

• For the chocolate cookies: Cut two 13-by-18 pieces of parchment. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
• Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated, about 2 minutes more.
• Place a sheet of parchment on a work surface. Transfer the dough to the parchment and cover with another sheet of parchment. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into an even layer that reaches the edges of the parchment. Slide the parchment and dough onto a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Remove the top parchment from the dough and bake until firm and no longer shiny, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and cool completely.
• For the peppermint bark: Put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted.
• Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the saucepan over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 1 cup white chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted; return the bowl to the saucepan for 5 to 10 seconds at a time as needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt all the chocolate.
• Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir the peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour over the cooled cookie base and spread in an even layer with a rubber spatula or small offset spatula.
• Sprinkle immediately with the peppermint candies, gently pressing the pieces into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
• Lift the bark cookie out of the baking sheet using the parchment and break it into pieces.

SHORTCUT PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Bring a shallow pan of water to a simmer. Add the white chocolate to a heatproof bowl and set over the simmering water to melt. Stir in the peppermint extract.
• Dip the cookies one by one in the melted chocolate to cover completely, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the crushed candy over the tops. Allow the cookies to set and dry before serving.

MCCORMICK'S PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line large baking sheet with foil. In saucepan, melt baking pieces.
• Place unwrapped peppermint candies in a ziploc (you may need to reinforce it with another ziploc) and hammer the pieces until thoroughly crushed.
• When the chocolate is nearly melted, remove from heat; mix in Extract. Gently stir until smooth.
• Spread chocolate mixture on baking sheet, smoothing with metal spatula to 1/4 inch thick.
• Add food color, drop by drop, over melted baking pieces. Using a wooden skewer, swirl color through.
• Sprinkle with crushed candies, press in with spatula.
• Chill until set, about 10 minutes.
• Break into pieces. Store, covered. Refrigerate up to 5 days.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Set 12 ounces/340 grams semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 5- to 25-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until it is melted and the temperature registers between 114 degrees and 118 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Chocolate burns easily in the microwave, so go slowly. Try fewer seconds as the temperature starts getting close so that you don't overshoot the mark. (If you're a few degrees over, just keeping stirring the chocolate until it cools to the proper temperature.)
• Remove the bowl from the microwave and gradually stir in the remaining 4 ounces/115 grams semisweet chocolate until the temperature has come down to 88 to 89 degrees. (After a bit of practice you can actually see and feel the chocolate fall into temper. It takes on a slightly looser quality and becomes shinier. Be patient, this can take up to 10 to 12 minutes with some chocolate.) Now quickly pour the chocolate out onto the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Let the chocolate stand at room temperature until the layer has set, about 1 hour. (You can also refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.)
• Now set 6 ounces/170 grams white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 5- to 25-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until it is melted and the temperature registers between 105 degrees and 110 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
• Remove the bowl from the microwave and gradually stir in the remaining 2 ounces/55 grams white chocolate until the temperature has come down to about 85 degrees. Quickly stir in the peppermint extract. Drizzle the white chocolate mixture evenly over the semisweet chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with the candy cane.
• Let stand at room temperature until completely set, about 4 hours. To serve, break into pieces. Refrigerate leftover pieces as necessary.

EASY PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Spray a 10-by-15-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; line with a piece of waxed paper. Place candy in a doubled resealable plastic bag (one inside the other); seal, and wrap in a kitchen towel (to prevent candy from piercing the bag). Use a rolling pin or skillet to crush candy into tiny pieces. Pass through a large sieve to separate crushed candy from fine powder.
• Place white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in rice cereal.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet; with a spatula, spread to edges of pan. Sprinkle with crushed candy. Cover entire surface with a piece of waxed paper (to prevent hands from sticking), and press candy gently into chocolate mixture. Chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes (but no longer, as candy will begin to soften).
• Peel off waxed paper. Break bark into 3-inch pieces. Bark can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet with parchment, and set aside.
• In the top of a double boiler, melt white chocolate, stirring constantly.
• With a chef's knife or meat tenderizer, cut or pound candy canes into 1/4-inch pieces.
• Stir pieces of candy canes and peppermint oil into the melted chocolate. Remove from heat, and pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet; spread evenly. Chill until firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Break into pieces, and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Unwrap the candy canes and place in a freezer Zip-Loc bag then place it in another Zip-Loc bag.
• Using a hammer gently break up the candy canes into small pieces.
• Line an 11x17 baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• In a microwave safe bowl melt the dark wafers on low or defrost for 2 minutes then stir.
• Continue to melt on low in one minute increments stirring well until completely melted.
• Add 1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp peppermint oil to melted chocolate stirring well.
• Pour onto foil lined baking sheet.
• Let sit for approximately 15 minutes.
• Do not refrigerate and do not let harden more than 15 minutes.
• While dark chocolate is hardening melt white wafers in the same manner as the dark chocolate.
• Add 1/2 tsp peppermint oil to melted wafers and crushed candy cane, stirring to mix well.
• Carefully pour over chocolate layer in pan distributing evenly.
• Very gently spread white layer evenly over chocolate layer.
• Let harden overnight or at least 4 hours then invert upside down to remove foil.
• Break into irregular pieces, not too small.
• If you try to break them into very small pieces the white tends to seperate from the dark.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CANE BARK

Steps:

• Melt white chocolate either in a double boiler or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.
• Stir in crushed candy cane and peppermint flavoring into melted white chocolate.
• Line a 11x17" baking pan with wax paper.
• Pour and spread chocolate mixture onto wax paper.
• Chill until firm and break into pieces.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

EASY PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Unwrap candy canes and place in a thick ziplock bag. The freezer kind or if using the regular ones just use two, one inside the other to make it thick. You can also use hard peppermint candies if you are making this after Christmas. Place the candy inside the bag and crush it using a large metal spoon or a rolling pin- not too small, not too big. Martha would have you sift the candy to seperate the large pieces from the dust. I did not- it is up to you.
• Line a jelly roll pan (baking sheet with sides) or a 9x13 baking dish with tin foil. Spray with nonstick spray.
• Place white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pot of simmering water. Test bowl before adding water to be sure it will sit on the pot and not dip down to low. Add water and test again- then heat up the water. Heat, stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted.
• Remove bowl from heat and stir in Rice Krispies.
• Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread. You can make it thick or thin.
• Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy. Press them into the chocolate lightly otherwise they will fall off later- use waxed paper, the back of a spoon or your fingers. If you choose you can melt the mint chips and drizzle them over the top.
• Chill 20-30 minutes. Apparently if you leave it in the fridge longer it will get soft.
• Peel tin foil off and break into pieces.
• Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

PEPPERMINT BARK BROWNIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square pan with baking spray, line with parchment and then lightly spray the parchment.
• Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside. Whisk together the sugar, cocoa, flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl until well combined. Stir in the melted butter, eggs, yolk, vanilla and water. Stir in the mini chocolate chips if using. Stir the batter vigorously until smooth and shiny, about 30 seconds. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, 42 to 44 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours in the pan before cutting. Invert the pan onto a cutting board, peel off the parchment and cut the brownies into 16 squares.
• Combine the white chocolate chips and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20-second intervals, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. This should take 40 to 60 seconds. Dip the bottom surface of each brownie into the melted chocolate, let any excess drip back into the bowl, and turn the brownie so the chocolate is upright. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Repeat with the remaining brownies. Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 4 days.

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Melt the milk and white chocolates in two separate heatproof bowls set over pans of simmering water, ensuring the bases of the bowls don't touch the water. Or, melt in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Add the peppermint extract to the melted milk chocolate and gently mix until combined.
• Pour the peppermint milk chocolate over the centre of the baking tray. Smooth with a spatula until it's 2mm thick, then drizzle over the white chocolate. Gently swirl the white chocolate through the milk using a teaspoon, then sprinkle over the candy cane chunks.
• Leave to set at room temperature to prevent the milk chocolate from discolouring. Once fully set, freeze for 10 mins, then snap into shards. Will keep in an airtight container lined with baking parchment for up to two weeks.

MORGAN'S AMAZING PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
• Place white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in the microwave until melted, 60 to 90 seconds. Stir until smooth.
• Place one gallon-sized resealable bag inside a second gallon-sized bag, creating a double-layered bag. Place candy canes inside the inner bag and seal. Crush the candy canes inside bag with a rolling pin. Stir crushed candy canes into melted white chocolate.
• Pour white chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Chill in refrigerator until hardened, 1 hour.

LAYERED PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 9x12 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Melt half of the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Spread the white chocolate into the prepared pan. Sprinkle 1/4 of the crushed peppermints evenly over white chocolate. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and peppermint extract together in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Quickly pour the chocolate layer over the chilled white chocolate layer; spread evenly. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Spread quickly over the chilled bark. Sprinkle with the remaining peppermint pieces; chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Cut or break into small pieces to serve.

5-INGREDIENT PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Lightly grease a 9x9 inch pan and line with waxed paper, smoothing out wrinkles; set aside.
• Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract.
• Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until completely hardened, about 1 hour.
• Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
• Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweet chocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened. Remove from pan; break into small pieces to serve.