This is quick gift. You can make it in a jiffy if you find yourself
with a holiday party to go to or need a last minute gift. It's really
yummy.
We actually used vanilla flavored almond bark because that was what was available at our local supermarket.
{Makes 1 1/4 pounds of bark}
You'll need:
20 small candy canes
One 16 to 20 ounce package of white chocolate
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint oil
A adult help
Equipment:
A large microwave-safe bowl
A large spoon
A large knife
A cutting board
A gallon-size plastic zipper bag
A rolling pin, heavy ice cream scoop or mallet
Hot pads
A cookie sheet
Wax paper
Decorative box or paper plate and plastic wrap.
Ask mom or whoever's helping you to cut the white chocolate into cubes.
Place
the cubes in the bowl and microwave on high for about 1 1/2 minutes.
The chocolate will be very hot so it's best to have your adult helper
check to see if the chocolate is totally melted. If not, put it back in
the microwave for another 30 seconds.
While the chocolate is melting, put the
candy canes in a gallon zipper bag and crush them. You should wind up
with some peppermint chunks and a bunch of peppermint powder. Put some
of the chunks aside to decorate the top of the bark.
Lay a piece of wax paper out on the cookie sheet.
When
the chocolate is melted, ask mom to remove it from the microwave. Make
sure she uses the hot pads because the chocolate will be really hot.
Quickly mix in the candy cane powder and the peppermint oil.
Turn the candy out onto the wax-papered cookie sheet.
Spread the candy out about as thick as a store bought candy bar.
Ask mom for help if you need it.
Press the peppermint chunks into the bark.
Let the bark set up in a cool place.
If you're in a hurry, you can put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
When the bark is solid, peel the wax paper off the back. Break into chunks that are about 2 by 3 inches.
If
you're using a decorative box, put a piece of wax paper in that covers
the bottom and sticks over the sides. Once you've filled the box, flip
the wax paper over the top and cover. If you're using a plate, arrange
the bark and cover with plastic wrap.
