Best Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes

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ALMOST-FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK



Almost-Famous Peppermint Bark image

Execs at Williams-Sonoma were just trying to build up their food-gifts selection when they started selling peppermint bark in 1999. Little did they know that they'd created a monster: The candy quickly gained a cult following. Fans are known to stake out stores for months until the stuff hits shelves in the fall. (It tends to sell out before Christmas.) And food bloggers have been trying to knock off the recipe for years. Food Network Kitchens gave it a whirl and came up with this near-perfect copy.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h45m

Yield About 2 pounds of bark

Number Of Ingredients 4

12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed

Steps:

  • Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
  • Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  • Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

ALMOST FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK



ALMOST FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK image

Categories     Candy     Chocolate     Dessert     No-Cook     Christmas     Valentine's Day     Kid-Friendly     Winter

Yield 2 pounds

Number Of Ingredients 4

12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed

Steps:

  • Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

What is Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes and Why is it So Popular?

Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are a type of festive dessert that has taken the culinary world by storm. It is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines smooth, rich chocolate with crunchy candy canes and peppermint extract. The result is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are guaranteed to please any palate. Peppermint bark has been around for quite a while, but it has gained immense popularity over the past few years. The holiday season would be incomplete without some form of peppermint bark, and almost every bakery or confectionery has its own unique recipe. The Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are particularly popular because they offer a perfect balance of creaminess, crunchiness, and minty freshness. Moreover, they are incredibly easy to make and require only a few basic ingredients, most of which can be found in your pantry.

What Goes Into Making Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes?

Making Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes is a straightforward process that requires only three essential ingredients- chocolate chips, peppermint candy, and peppermint extract. However, you can also add some variations to the recipe to create new and exciting flavors. The first step in making peppermint bark is to melt the chocolate. You can do this either on a stovetop or in a microwave, depending on your preference. Once the chocolate has melted, you can add some peppermint extract to give it a refreshing peppermint flavor. The next step is to crush the peppermint candy canes. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor for this task. However, it is essential to ensure that the candy canes are crushed coarsely and not reduced to a fine powder, as this will affect the texture of the finished product. Next, you need to add the crushed candy canes to the melted chocolate and mix well. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and smooth it out with a spatula. You can also add some additional toppings of your choice, such as nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit. Allow the peppermint bark to cool for several hours until it has hardened. Once it has cooled and set, you can break it into bite-sized pieces or cut it into neat squares.

Why Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are So Popular Among Food Lovers?

Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are incredibly popular among food lovers because they offer a wide range of benefits, starting from their delicious taste and beautiful appearance to their ease of preparation and suitability for gifting. Most people love peppermint bark for its rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint scent. The combination of smooth chocolate with the crunchy texture of candy canes is a perfect match, creating a subtle contrast that makes the bark a joy to eat. Another reason why peppermint bark is so popular is its versatility. You can customize the recipe to include different types of chocolate or add different toppings to give it a unique flavor profile. You can also use it as an ingredient in other desserts, such as ice cream, cupcakes, or brownies. Finally, peppermint bark is easy to make, and it requires minimal effort and skill. This makes it an ideal dessert for busy cooks or those who are new to baking. With a few basic ingredients and a little bit of guidance, anyone can whip up a batch of delicious peppermint bark in no time.

Conclusion

Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are a perfect dessert for the holiday season, thanks to their delicious taste, beautiful appearance, and ease of preparation. Depending on your preference, you can customize the recipe to include different types of chocolate, toppings or adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your taste. Most importantly, peppermint bark is a versatile dessert that you can make in large batches and gift to friends and family members. Whether you love chocolate, peppermint, or both together, Almost Famous Peppermint Bark Recipes are sure to please any sweet tooth.
Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that has been around for decades. It's a delightful combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing minty flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. Making homemade peppermint bark is not as difficult as it seems. Today, we're going to share some valuable tips on how to create perfect "almost famous" peppermint bark recipes.

Choose High-Quality Chocolate

Using high-quality chocolate is essential when making peppermint bark. It will affect the final taste and texture of your bark. Look for chocolate bars that are 60% cocoa or higher for dark chocolate bark, and 30% cocoa or higher for white chocolate bark. High-quality chocolate is usually sold in bars in the baking section of your grocery store. Avoid using chocolate chips as they contain additives that could affect your bark's texture and taste.

Use Candy Canes or Peppermints

You can use either candy canes or peppermints to add a minty flavor to your bark. Both candies are made of sugar and peppermint oil. Adding crushed candy canes or peppermints to your bark will give it a satisfying crunch and a refreshing taste. To create the perfect size for your crushed candies, place them in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces with a rolling pin.

Melt Chocolate in a Double Boiler

Melt your chocolate in a double boiler to avoid burning it. A double boiler is a heatproof bowl that sits on top of a pot of simmering water. Make sure the water in the pot is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Break your chocolate into small pieces and place them in the heatproof bowl. Stir frequently until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.

Temper Your Chocolate

Tempering your chocolate is essential to achieve a shiny, smooth finish on your bark. It's a process of heating and cooling chocolate to a specific temperature to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals. The easiest way to temper chocolate is to reserve a portion of the melted chocolate (about 1/3) and set it aside. Once the remaining chocolate is melted, remove it from heat and stir in the reserved chocolate. The temperature of the melted chocolate should lower to about 88°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of your chocolate.

Use Parchment Paper

Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet before pouring your chocolate. Parchment paper is non-stick and will prevent your bark from sticking to the surface. Cut the parchment paper to fit the size of your baking sheet and secure the edges with tape. Make sure the parchment paper is flat to avoid bumps in your bark.

Add Your Crushed Candies and Mint Extract

Once your chocolate has been tempered, it's time to add your crushed candies and mint extract. Mix well until the crushed candies are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate. You can adjust the amount of mint extract depending on your preference. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add the remaining amount gradually until you achieve your desired flavor.

Pour Your Chocolate onto the Lined Baking Sheet

Pour your chocolate onto the lined baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure the thickness of your bark is consistent throughout. Tap your baking sheet gently on a flat surface to release any air bubbles. Smooth the surface with the spatula and let it sit for a few minutes to set.

Refrigerate Your Bark

Once your bark has set, place it in the refrigerator to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Cooling will help the chocolate harden and prevent the candies from sinking. Once it has hardened, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before breaking it into pieces.

Conclusion

Making "almost famous" peppermint bark recipes can be easy with a few simple tips. Use high-quality chocolate, candy canes or peppermints, and parchment paper to achieve a delicious and shiny finish. Melt your chocolate in a double boiler and temper it for a smooth texture. Add your crushed candies and mint extract and pour it onto a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate your bark until it cools and hardens, and break it into pieces. Enjoy this classic holiday treat with your family and friends!

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