I’m not sure if this is a male species thing or just a Babyface thing, but my darling husband has the long-term memory of an aardvark. It used to be completely infuriating, but as with many things in a marriage, I now find that personality quirk adorable and comforting. His lack of memory is especially rampant when it comes to food. He’ll ask what’s for dinner and I’ll tell him it’s that one soup that we had 67 days ago that was super delicious with lentils (you know, because I never forget a meal) and he’ll look at me with the blankest of blank looks. On the other hand, there are positives to his food memory issues. I could probably serve him the same monthly rotation of meals and he’d think it was fresh and new each time.

That’s why it is so incredible that there one item that Babyface never forgetsโ€”peppermint bark.

Back when we were low on cash our first year of marriage, I made a giant batch of peppermint bark to give to our family and friends for Christmas gifts. It was love at first taste. And every year, right around this time, Babyface starts asking if and when I’m making peppermint bark. We no longer gift the mint chocolate goodness (actually, my family decided not to do gifts at all this year, instead opting for charitable donations), but I still make a small batch of it for my favorite person in the world. He does so much for me everyday that I figure the least I can do is whip up a batch of his favorite holiday treat. I’ll make him peppermint bark everyday if it means he keeps doing my laundry for me.

Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s painfully easy. Three ingredients. 15 minutes. Done. Much quicker and easier than a load of whites.

This stuff does make a most excellent gift for those on your list. I like to include some of this in a sweet treat variety pack that we give to the people who run our doggie daycare, our apartment maintenance staff and any other folks that make our lives easier throughout the year (mail carriers, firefighters, teachers, etc.). I’ll be sharing with you guys the rest of the treats over the coming weeks (keep an eye out for sugar plums and Nanaimo bars).

Classic Peppermint Bark

Classic Peppermint Bark

Yield: About 12 large chunks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

I use dark chocolate and white chocolate chips for melting. They stay a little bit soft and have a texture I like, but because of their softness, need to stay in a cool environment. If you want harder bark, you'll need to temper your chocolate. This is a great step-by-step for doing that.

Ingredients

  • 8 peppermint candy canes
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cover a large cookie sheet in aluminum foil. Set aside.
  2. Remove candy canes from wrapper and place in large plastic, ziptop bag. Using a mallet, bottom of a glass or rolling pin, mash the candy canes until they are in small chunks.
  3. In a double boiler (or a small bowl over a pot of simmering water) melt semisweet chocolate chips. When completely smooth, pour onto cookie sheet and spread into a thin later (about 1/8"). Don't worry if chocolate doesn't spread to edge of cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in freezer.
  4. Using a clean double boiler, melt white chocolate chips until smooth. Mix in all but 1/3 cup of the candy cane pieces.
  5. Remove cookie sheet from freezer, carefully spread white chocolate over the dark chocolate in a thin layer. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of reserved candy cane pieces on top. Place cookie sheet in freezer.
  6. Once bark is completely cooled and hard. Remove from cookie sheet and break into large pieces.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 pieces Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 3g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

 

What’s you favorite holiday treat?

I love peppermint bark, too, but I think my favorite is my Mama’s chocolate chip cookies.

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13 Comments

  1. My husband loves peppermint bark also! The first time he tried it, it came out of a tin from a fancy food store, so for a long time he thought it was just one of those expensive indulgences. I made my own a few years ago and it has become a staple around our house for a few holidays now! ๐Ÿ™‚ I love how simple it is to make (and eat!!)!

  2. Your husband does your laundry?! I love that! That definitely deserves a batch of yummy peppermint bark. I’d love to give this a try for the holidays.

  3. mmm this recipe is definitely going on my “to do” list ๐Ÿ™‚
    I’m curious what a nanaimo bar is – off to the google!

  4. I was just hunting around for a small treat to wrap up and give to friends. I think 15 minute Peppermint bark qualifies! Thanks go much for the recipe!

      1. Hi Fedora! You can make this peppermint bark months in advance, and it will last great on the counterโ€”just think of it like a chocolate bar! Weโ€™d say easily 2-3 months. Some folks put it in the fridge or freezer, but we don’t recommend that due to the condensation that it can cause. This is one of our favorite easy holiday recipes to make ahead because it lasts for so long!

  5. Gorgeous!! I’m planning on making bark with nuts & dried fruit, but will have to make some room for this!

    My favourite holiday treat is definitely Nanaimo Bars ๐Ÿ™‚ Nothing compares.

    1. Ha! That’s so funny. I JUST finished my take on the Nanaimo bar this afternoon. They are SO good. I cannot figure out why they haven’t caught on in the states.