peppermint bark

Peppermint Bark is incredibly easy to make, but it is also incredibly easy to mess up. I made several batches this year for Christmas gifts, and I hate to admit that I did kill the chocolate a couple times. But I think I finally perfected the recipe and next year’s bark-making will go more smoothly.

Most bark recipes are similar. Here is what I do:

Peppermint Bark
1 lb semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 bags of Ghirardelli chocolate)
1 lb white chocolate chips (1 1/2 bags of Ghirardelli chocolate)
Peppermint oil (NOT peppermint extract. Find it at health food stores)
12-ish candy canes (crushed)

Line 11×17 baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate. [I use a metal bowl on top of a pot of water on LOW heat. Chocolate likes to be warm, not hot. If it gets too hot you will get a thick doughy lump of chocolate that will not melt. Trust me.]

Mix in a few drop of peppermint oil once chocolate is fully melted.

Spread in a thin layer on the baking sheet. Wipe off any water on the bottom of the metal bowl before pouring the chocolate.

Chill in refrigerator for a couple minutes. [If you let the layer get too cold and harden completely, the 2 chocolate layers will separate and will not 'melt' together when you are done.]

Melt white chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate.

Mix in peppermint oil. [I add about 8 drops. I like it pepperminty.]

Quickly spread it on your chocolate layer.

Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the chocolate.

Chill in refrigerator for about an hour.

Break bark apart into chunks and store in the refrigerator. It keeps for about 3 weeks.

peppermint bark

Put the peppermint bark shards in a pretty tin with a label. Voila!
bark tin

label

I am thankful for a great 2009 and I’m looking forward to an even better 2010! Merry Christmas from the Metro Baby family!

family

I just wanted to share this awesome holiday card I did yesterday. This is the best pet picture I have ever seen. Yes, we do pet holiday cards too!

Vintage Peace dog card

The photo was taken by CJ Isaac Photography in Atlanta.

Just in time for holiday cards! The trifold style is a 5×5 folded card that opens up to a 5×15 size card with 6 panels. You can order any design on the website in the trifold format.

Here is a large view of the ‘Bliss Blue’ design in trifold style:

Click here to see more trifolds. Remember, ALL designs on the website can be ordered in the new trifold format.