Peppermint Bark

Well it is a nice time to organize a bit after so much cooking. I found this recipe while organizing and thought I would post it since many people have lots of candy canes. We are no exception as my son went on a Candy Cane Hunt a few weeks ago and brought home a few dozen.

I scribbled this five minute recipe off a FoodNetWork Paula Deen Show (Retro Recipes).
It makes about 2 lbs of "bark".
If you go to winter pot lucks, this is nice to bring and very easy to make.
Also makes a nice gift.

1 cup of crushed candy canes
2 pounds white chocolate (the good kind)
Peppermint flavoring (optional but recommended)

Crush candy canes in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or meat hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller.
I put a clean terry towel around the plastic bag so that the candy does not rip the bag as much.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. (Add a bit at a time.)
Combine candy cane chunks with the white chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper, spread it out with a spatula if you have to.
You may want to score the bark to make it easier to break later.

Place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm.
Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

I have also used semi-sweet chocolate instead of white to make it like a peppermint patty.
Green or blue candy canes look nice with the white chocolate.

Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle on the top.
OR make a layer of white chocolate and put a layer of dark chocolate over the white.

Sprinkle some more crushed candy on top of the bark before putting it in the frig.
You can also sprinkle some red and green sprinkles on the top too.