Sure, you can go to Trader Joe's and buy a box of peppermint bark for ten dollars, but it's so easy to make that you might as well make it yourself and have a little fun. Plus, it makes so much that you have to be saving money. This year I went a bit overboard with it. But let me tell you...it was a big hit at the office. This year I added marshmallows. Honestly, I think it made all of the difference.
My bark this year consisted of semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, and marshmallows.
Turns out the chocolate from Trader Joe's is pretty tasty. So are the marshmallows. All of it is pretty inexpensive, too. Chocolate chips are less than $3 a bag, and the marshmallows were under $2. I got the candy cane sticks from Walmart for 99 cents. They are the old-fashioned style, which I LOVE. They aren't glossy. They are a matte finish and a lot easier to bite into and chew, almost like a dinner mint. That made it easy to crush and super easy to bite into when eating the bark.
So, after a chocolate situation earlier in the week with a double boiler, I decided to use the microwave method. I always try to use a glass bowl when melting chocolate in the microwave. Make sure the bowl is extremely clean and SUPER DRY. This is very important. If you have just washed the bowl and there is any bit of dampness or water, the chocolate will seize when it melts and mixes with the water and you will have to toss it out. So, make sure to wipe it out completely. Next tip is to microwave in 20-30 second increments. This will seem silly at first as it may take a cycle or two to really begin to melt down, but trust me, this is important. You want to distribute the heat in the chocolate every time, so make sure to stir completely between cycles.
Depending on how thick you want your bark, you only need 1 1/2 to 2 bags of each chocolate. I went with 1 1/2 and it made a sheet pan full and it was PLENTY for the week.
What you will need:
1 1/2 bags of dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 bags of white chocolate chips
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract (depends on preference of strength)
4-5 candy cane sticks
1/4 bag of mini marshmallows (give or take to preference)
Other red/green sprinkles (NOT sugar as it will just melt into the chocolate)
Step by step instructions:
1. Prep baking sheet with parchment paper. (Do NOT use oil).
2. Place candy cane sticks in a bag and pound with a hammer or rubber mallet until crushed to desired consistency.
3. Measure out semi-sweet chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl (preferably glass).
4. Microwave in 20-30 second increments stirring between each turn making sure to not overheat. (**tip: when almost melted completely, keep stirring. It will eventually completely melt without another turn in the microwave).
5. Pour out onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth out with a spatula or offset spatula making sure to get it as even as possible.
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator for a couple of minutes to set up slightly so white chocolate won't mix into the dark.
7. Measure out white chocolate chips into a glass bowl and microwave in 20-30 second increments like the other. White chocolate is a lot more temperamental so be very careful not to overheat.
8. Stir in peppermint extract completely and then pour white chocolate onto dark in baking pan. Use a spatula to even out across pan.
9. Sprinkle marshmallows over the top of the white chocolate and gently press down into chocolate.
10. Sprinkle candy cane pieces over the top and press down lightly to stick into the white chocolate.
11. Sprinkle red and green sprinkles all over.
12. Place pan in the refrigerator for 10-15 min or until completely set. Take out and use a knife to cut into squares or (the easier way) break into pieces and store in airtight container.
Don't get intimidated by the number of steps. It is actually very easy. Just go for it. If you have never worked with chocolate before, just be sure to follow my tips above. Once you master the steps, you will be wanting to make chocolate bark for all occasions! I was told by multiple people in my office this week that this was the best bark they had ever had. Pretty high compliments for something you just melt and throw together. Try it out! I bet your friends and family will love it.
