Chocolate-Peppermint Bark

I’ve been making this peppermint bark for years around the holidays, as it’s the perfect little gift to share with friends and co-workers. Nowadays, versions of the candy can be found everywhere from gourmet chocolatiers to the supermarket, but I still prefer making my own. People really seem to appreciate a homemade gift, and it’s so quick and cheap to make (and a perfect way to use extra candy canes) that it’s a no brainer. After I "test" a few pieces to make sure the batch tastes good, I like to divide them into festive cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon.

Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Bark:

• Place 6 unwrapped candy canes in a plastic bag and smash with a meat mallet* until broken into very small pieces.
• Meanwhile, chop 1 lb. of high-quality dark chocolate and place in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering** water.
• Let chocolate melt entirely, stirring frequently, then pour into sheet pan that's been lined with a non-stick silicone mat.***
• Immediately sprinkle candy cane pieces over the chocolate and then place the bark in refrigerator for several hours, or until hardened.
• Place 3 c. white chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted.
• Drizzle white chocolate over the bark, then place back in the refrigerator until it hardens.****
• Use your hands to break the bark into shards.
• Place on a platter and serve, or divide into cellophane bags, tie with ribbon, and give as gifts.

Serves ten
Makes two-four gift bags
*Or hammer.
**Do not boil the water or it will get the pot too hot and might burn the chocolate.
***I used this one. Or line the pan with parchment paper.
****I pour the white chocolate into a plastic bag, snip the end, and squeeze the chocolate onto the bark.