Peppermint Bark

Is it just me or is peppermint bark everywhere? I've seen it everywhere from the the cover of my latest Williams-Sonoma catalog to the shelves of TJ Maxx. Whenever I see peppermint bark, I always think the same thing, "They are charging how much for it? It is so easy and cheap to make!"

Peppermint bark can be in under ten minutes--and the hardest part is unwrapping the candy canes! I like to make my peppermint bark into drops. It is more fun to eat that way! Of course, make it in any shape you like. It all tastes the same--yummy!

Here is what you will need:

1 pound gluten-free milk, white or dark candy coatings (I use Merckens which is gluten-free, tree nut free and peanut free. Yay!)

5 candy canes

Here is how to do it:

1. Unwrap the candy canes and crush them into pieces. (I put the candy canes into a zip lock bag and hit the bag with a rolling pin. It is a great way to 1. break up the candy canes and 2. get rid of holiday stress!) You'll want the pieces to be "munch" size. Imagine popping a piece into your mouth and chewing. Since you don't want to break a tooth, be sure to crush the candy cane pieces fairy small.

2. Place the candy coatings in a microwave-safe bowl. (I use my Pyrex 2-cup measuring cup.) Melt the candy coating in the microwave. If you are using Merckens, melt it in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir the coatings between each 30-second microwaving. This will prevent hot spots from burning the candy. If you are using a different brand, follow the directions on the bag.

3. Once the coatings are melted, stir in most of the crushed candy canes. Hold a little back to sprinkle on the top of the candy. Why? It looks pretty! That's why!

4. Plop the chocolate from a soup spoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet. If you'd prefer your bark to look more like traditional peppermint bark. Simply spread it onto the parchment paper about 1/4-inch thick.

5. Once you've plopped about six of the candies onto the sheet, sprinkle a little of the crushed candy canes onto the top of each candy. (You'll want to do this after making six candies so that the chocolate doesn't firm up too much. If the chocolate is too set, the crushed candy canes won't stick to it.)

6. Repeat until all your candy mixture is used up. If your candy hardens before you have finished, don't panic! Just throw the container back into the micro and microwave the mixture for about 15 seconds. It will melt and you'll be all set!

7. Put the baking sheet into the refrigerator until firm--about five minutes.

Makes about 30 peppermint bark drops.