45 candy making days left until Christmas….
We will just ignore that I have been a slacker (well, just a blog slacker, I have been busy at everything else).
So Halloween is over now and we shift from buying candy to making candy. I myself am not a big candy maker. I think mostly because my mom didn’t. Well, she made divinity, marshmallow cream fudge and those cream cheese mints, but that was about it.
I must admit that I have always been jealous of those who make candy for the holidays. I need to be brave and take the plunge into making candy. Enter Anita.
You might remember a while back, fellow food blogger friend Anita Chu (of Dessert First) came out with a little book (literally little) called Field Guide to Cookies. Well, she is at it again and came out with another Field Guide, this time to Candy.
I was fascinated with the variety in this book. Though I will admit that I probably wont be making my own gummy bears anytime soon, it was fun that they were in there. Since my time has been non-existent as of late (have I mentioned how I think we should get to bank hours…that way on days I only need 8 I use them, but on the days, as of late, when I need a 30 hour day they carry over), I decided to go easy and do a holiday classic Peppermint Bark.
Three ingredients. That sounds good to me. You do have to temper the chocolate which intimidates some people, but just face it with confidence and you will be fine. 
You can even find You Tube videos to help you with it. I love peppermint bark, and I am thinking that choosing to make this was a bad idea. Before I just relied on people to give me some for Christmas. Now that I can make it on my own, watch out thighs.
So if you are wanting to get in a little candy making this season, you might want to pick up this little guide. At $10.85 on Amazon.com, that is a good bargain.
The only bad thing about making the peppermint bark…other than my thighs expanding is now I want to play Christmas music.
Peppermint Bark
14 ounces bittersweet chocolate
14 ounces white chocolate
½ cup candy canes, crushed
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt and temper the bittersweet chocolate. Either watch the video or have Dave help you.
Pour the bittersweet chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread it to about ¼ inch thick. Let it set, about 30 minutes. Temper the white chocolate white the bittersweet is hardening.
Pour the white chocolate layer over the bittersweet chocolate layer and spread it evenly (hopefully more evenly than I did. 
)
Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the white chocolate. Press them lightly so they stick. Let the white chocolate set, about 30 minutes.
Break into small (or large ), irregular (I did a great job with the irregular part) pieces.
Makes about 24 pieces.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Recipe from Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable by Anita Chu
52 Responses
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November 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I made peppermint bark last Christmas, and it was quickly devoured!
I worked at Williams-Sonoma one Christmas, and this is their traditional best-seller, with reason. It’s fabulous. But like you said – it’s too easy to make to buy it!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
You are my new hero! This is my ultimate fav holiday candy! I’m looking forward to trying out your fabulous recipe, thank you! : )
November 9th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
You and the term “slacker” are NEVER to be used in the same sentence. You are from from being one.
Just 3 ingredients?? That DOES sound easy and good
Love the holiday bark!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Peppermint Bark is so festive – and tasty! I love to make simple candies at Christmas.
Would you consider sharing your mom’s recipes for cream cheese mints?
Looking forward to seeing what other goodies you post for the holiday season.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
This recipe sounds relatively harmless as far as candy making is concerned. And, as usual, your pictures make me wish I could put my hand through the screen and grab a piece…and I don’t even like white chocolate. :O
Thank you for the book recommendation, I love Anita’s blog!
November 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
My friends and I gather every year to make holiday treats and peppermint bark is everyone’s favorite. Each year at least 2 people make it.
One year a friend made lemon bark (http://candy.about.com/od/chocolate/r/lemonbark.htm) which is so yummy if you like lemons.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
YUM.
I love peppermint bark. I can’t wait to make some!
November 9th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I love peppermint bark! I always use Paul Deen’s version from her show Paula’s Party. She would add peppermint extract to her chocolate, giving a more pepperminty flavor!
November 9th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I absolutely love peppermint bark, and yours looks dangerous to have around. I like to add a few drops of peppermint oil to the dark chocolate layer to boost the mint flavor. It is great chopped up and baked into cookies too!
November 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I totally want to make this! Guess I’ll have to learn about this tempering thing.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I’ve been a food blog slacker myself lately. First, I blame it on being 8 months pregnant…second, I blame it on our poor internet connection the past few days.
But, now that you’re reminding me that candy making season is right around the corner, I need to get my game going! Especially before Baby G arrives!!! Thanks for the post.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
That huge slab of peppermint bark looks fabulous. Just think – you can make this whenever you want now – it is dangerous!!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I just added that book to my amazon wishlist! It looks so fun, thank you for sharing!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Yes! Its easy and gluten free. I’m in.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I’ve started candy-making too! I’ve made several batches of fondant and dipped the first batch (flavored with dried apricots) on Saturday. They are now in the freezer so that there will actually be some left to give away for Christmas. I was contemplating trying peppermint bark this year, and after reading your posting, I’m definitely going to do so. thanks!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Oh dear…that looks goooood!
I’ve never tried making “candy” before!
November 9th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
What a fabulous book. Great idea. I don’t usually make different candies too much – only holiday time. Love the bark. Have to bookmark this one!
November 9th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I almost feel badly about thinking about candy. We’re still recovering from halloween at our house. That said, Christmas and candy do go hand in hand.
This year I’ll be making salted caramels for sure. I’m so in love with Alice Medrich’s recipe topped with smoked salt:
http://danamccauley.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/daring-bakers-amber-adventures/
That said, I love Anita’s books and will likely try a couple of her recipes as well.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I’ve had white peppermint bark before, but not the two toned. Sounds delicious!
November 9th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Peppermint brittle is one of my absolutely favorite holiday candies, and it definitely helps that it’s so easy to make.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Looks great! I made peppermint bark last year for Christmas and it was a big hit:) There is just something very satisfying about peppermint and a mix of white and dark chocolate…yum!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
This post has just inspired me to start making my own candy, thx!!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
There you are! Yum… Haven’t tried candy making since I moved to altitude, I wonder…
November 9th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I’m a bit fearful about candy making, so this book sounds perfect for me. Not that I need another vehicle for sugar, but the thrill of making it myself is worth it.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I love peppermint bark…and Sweetie doesn’t…more for me! Thanks for the recipe…it sure sounds easy!
November 9th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
It looks really pretty! A nice sweet…
Cheers,
Rosa
November 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I actually really enjoy making candy, but I never can find the time to do it! I love peppermint bark and could use some of that sitting next to me right now!
November 9th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My roommate loves this stuff and you’re right, a small bag with just a few pieces can run between $10 and $12. I will definately be making this for the holidays. As usualy, wonderful post and great pictures. One more thing, I don’t think any of your readers think of you as a slacker – whenever you get the chance to post and share your wonderful stories, recipes and pictures is a treat for us readers – don’t pressure yourself!
November 10th, 2009 at 3:32 am
I plan to peppermint bark this christmas – so easy and so delicious.
November 10th, 2009 at 6:06 am
A delicious addition is a little bit of sea salt sprinkled on the top. My kids have been begging me to make this again since last Christmas.
November 10th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I made this last year and didn’t have a lot of success. (Yeah, I know. Duh, right?!) My first and biggest mistake was using white chips and not white chocolate. Not tempering the chocolate probably didn’t help.
I’m gonna try again this year.
~ingrid
November 10th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Looks beautiful! Perfect for the holidays. (Wait – is today a holiday It must be, somewhere, for something!)
November 10th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Looks great! Glad to see you back
November 10th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I have never tried candy canes, but think I’d love them – your bark looks so pretty, Pea! Love it that you used both dark and white chocolate.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
i m already thinking about Christmas candy and these are just perfect.
pity these expand the thighs
November 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I adore peppermint bark!! I always wrap some up with ribbons as thank you gifts to teachers and hostess gifts for friends. Is it really that time of year??
November 10th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’ve never been much of a candy maker but this one looks so easy and delish. I’m going to have to give it a try!!
November 10th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Wait…cream cheese mints? I’ve not heard of these!!!
November 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I was just referred here by the lovely Veggie Girl and I’ll definitely be back… you have a wonderful blog!!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Three ingredients? How could I not make this?
This is going to be a great addition to my Christmas give aways!
Thanks!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Peppermint Bark is one of my most favorite Holiday candies – can’t wait to try this!
November 11th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Gorgeous! So Christmasy too. Perfect gift.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I’ve definitely bought this in years past and love it. I had no idea that it would be easy to make. This is going on my list of goodies to give to neighbors!
Thanks.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:40 am
That book looks like a damn good purchase, and your bark looks y-u-m!
November 12th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I love the colors – white and red. wicked.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Your peppermint bark is beautiful. I love to make Almond Roca at Christmas!
November 12th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Peppermint bark is one of my favorites. Actually, any combinaton of peppermint and chocolate sounds good around the holidays.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Golly gee, I love your posts, but did you really have to stick it to us with the date count down? Not ready!! I just might have to try the peppermint bark this year though. I did candied orange peel last year and it was a hit
November 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Oooooooh! I love the cookie field guide, so I am super excited about this! I’m with you, I am feeling the countdown. Bring on the holiday baking and confectionery!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Hopefully this will be your slippery slope to more candy making. Looks so good.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
This is on the list for christmas treats!
December 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
2 questions…one, I have made this for years, but when I break it apart to put in bags, the white & dark chocolate sometimes separates. Any way to stop this? I tried not letting the dark harden up as much before I add the white chocolate but then I end up with marbled chocolate. Any tips? Also, where can I buy peppermint oil in Ventura county, CA? Anyone?? Thanks! Please email me at Ridsbabe@gmail.com