Peppermint Bark

Want to look totally awesome next Christmas? Mix up a batch of peppermint bark to hand out to family and friends. It will look like you spent a lot of time making a fantastic homemade gift... but it is soooooo easy! I can't exactly attribute this recipe to any particular one... I scoured Pinterest and read dozens of recipes for peppermint bark, and this is what I decided to go with. That's the great part about this confection - you can make it pretty much anyway you want. Last year I used some Andes mint chips that I had bought at the store and created a bark with vanilla and chocolate, Creme de menthe, and the candies. It was really good too!

24 ounces vanilla almond bark

2 tsp peppermint extract

8-10 crushed candy canes

Line a large baking pan (I used a 12x17) with parchment paper. In a microwave safe bowl, warm the bark for 45 seconds to a minute. Stir. Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals and stir after each heating. When you begin to get close, reduce warming time until bark is smooth. You do not want to overcook the bark. It will clump and become useless to you. Add 2 tsp of peppermint extract and 2/3 to 3/4 of the crushed candy cane. Stir until completely combined. 

Pour bark onto parchment paper and spread until evenly smooth. Top with remaining crushed candy cane.

Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely, about an hour. Break apart into small pieces. Store in an air-tight container. Look absolutely fantastic!