Monday 2 December 2013

Christmas Recipes - Easy Peppermint Bark

It appears to be December already.

 

I mean, the calendars and Advent Calendars are all telling me that it is, but what I want to know is, what happened to November?! I mean, where did it go to so fast? Did anyone else find it flying by or was it just that we were so busy loving on our new little man?

 

Anyway, December is indeed here, and boys both big and small are getting excited for all the festive fun that it brings with it.

 

I've always thought that the run up to the big day of Christmas is just as exciting as the day itself and am so pleased to see the boys thinking the same way. As I was baking some mince pies the other night James told me that Christmas was his favourite time of year, not because of the presents, but because of all the traditions we have. And not fancy traditions either but simple ones. Like mince pies, making decorations, our Jesse tree devotions, getting together with friends and family, and some more Christmas baking!

 

So, since I think Christmas baking is such a comforting, homely tradition I thought I would celebrate the first week of Advent by sharing some of our favourite recipes each day this week.

 

Today's recipe is a super easy one to start with. Even someone who never bakes could rustle this one up no problem. I have now delegated this one to James (13) and he has been making at least two batches of it a week since the beginning of November. The reason for him having to make so much is that it is just so simply delicious! Once you have one slice, well, you can't just have one slice! I should also say that I had never heard of Peppermint Bark until I saw this recipe on PaisleyJade's blog a few years ago so it is really her to thank. Or for your waistline to blame!

 

 

You will need:

400g milk chocolate

400g white chocolate

1-2tsp peppermint essence/flavouring

2 candy canes, crushed.

 

~ Melt the milk chocolate, spread evenly in a tray bake tin then leave to set.

~ Melt the white chocolate and then add the peppermint essence. How much you need really depends on the brand, some are more minty than others so it's probably best to add 1 tsp then check the taste before deciding if you need to add more or not.

~Spread the white chocolate over the milk chocolate and then sprinkle with the crushed candy canes.

~ Once it is all set cut into squares. If you cut smallish squares you can tell yourself that you can eat more slices since they are only small.

 

Now wasn't that easy?!

 

You could also make this up with Dairy free versions of the chocolate but we haven't been able to get hold of Dairy free white chocolate for a while now.

 

Oh, and before I finish up. Little Fraser is 6 weeks old today. He has been smiling for a wee while now but whenever I tried to capture it with the camera he would stop! I finally did today though, so here he is...

 

 

Just had to share that too :)

 

 

2 comments:

  1. The squares looked good ... until I saw the deliciousness in the last photo! He's *gorgeous*, Kirsteen ... what a great photo :)
    (I can see both Andy and your mum in him, btw)

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  2. The Peppermint Bark looks very good; I will have to give it a try. I love hearing about your traditions; They are cozy and inspiring. November seemed to fly by for us too.... it did just seem like a blink. I am sure your new "Little man" was a big part of that for you; perhaps it was the kitchen remodel for us. Your Little Man is precious. His smile is something special.

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