Description
Festive Christmas candy showcases delightful seasonal treats from around the world. Sweet confections offer delicious holiday memories that connect families and cultural traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate, chopped
- ½ tsp (2.5 mL) peppermint extract (optional)
- ½ cup (120 mL) crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Chocolate Preparation: Methodically melt dark chocolate in a microwave, using short intervals and stirring gently to achieve a glossy, uniform texture without scorching.
- Base Layering: Spread the molten dark chocolate evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a smooth, consistent foundation for the peppermint bark.
- Initial Chilling: Refrigerate the dark chocolate layer for approximately 15 minutes until it reaches a firm, stable state that will support subsequent layers.
- White Chocolate Infusion: Melt white chocolate thoroughly, incorporating peppermint extract to develop a vibrant, festive flavor profile with subtle minty undertones.
- Layer Assembly: Pour the peppermint-enhanced white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate base, ensuring complete and seamless coverage that creates a visually appealing contrast.
- Decorative Topping: Generously distribute crushed candy canes across the surface, gently pressing them to guarantee secure adherence and adding a delightful textural element.
- Final Solidification: Return the confection to the refrigerator and allow it to completely set for one hour, transforming the layers into a solid, crisp holiday treat.
- Presentation: Fragment the chocolate into rustic, irregular pieces, revealing the intricate layers and showcasing the festive peppermint crunch.
Notes
- Control Chocolate Melting: Use short 15-20 second microwave intervals and stir gently between each interval to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy texture.
- Prevent Layer Separation: Ensure dark chocolate base is completely chilled and firm before adding white chocolate layer to maintain clean, distinct chocolate layers.
- Crush Candy Canes Strategically: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create varied sizes of candy cane pieces for more interesting texture and even distribution.
- Temperature Management: Keep chocolate at room temperature before serving to achieve the perfect snap and smooth mouthfeel, avoiding condensation or bloom.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg