Hit of the Party Peppermint Bark

12.14.15

The time is upon us, where you start going to Christmas parties and gatherings. Ones you can’t wait to attend and others that you’re being dragged to because of work or your significant other.  It’s all about compromise, amIright?!

So what happens when you either didn’t have enough time to make those great cookies to bring, or you get a last minute invite to an impromptu party? The best solution is homemade peppermint bark.

This is by far so easy, and SO delicious you’ll be the hit of the party. And while all those other assholes slaved over rolling cookie dough and pipping red and green icing on them, you took less than twenty minutes to make something delicious and simply let it set in the fridge for about an hour(or overnight).

The complete set of ingredients
(those two little bowls look empty but I promise they’re not)

So I actually did both methods of melting simultaneously so they would be ready at the same time.  If you’re the type of person who wants layers, spread the chocolate, place in fridge for 20-30 minutes and then melt the white chocolate and pour on top to make two distinctive layers.  I like the look of the swirl myself.

 

So you’re invited to a party or gathering that’s not too fancy but not too casual. What do you do? You didn’t have time to get a new dress and you certainly don’t want to be overdressed. This whole post is about the solution to that ‘oh shit’ last minute feeling. This dress is a great option for a last minute holiday gathering.  It’s a blank palate, allowing you to dress up with accessories to your hearts content.

Phil and I are spending out first Christmas in NYC together, so getting a tree was a requirement for this holiday season.  We started out with a smaller tree since we have to buy all the decorations. Always visiting family over Christmas equals have no festive decorations in our apartment. We fix that this year. Super duper festive.

For these pictures I wanted to carry the tree. It was not that heavy. But everyone on the street had an opinion for Phil not carrying it.  We had to assure them it was my idea. Chivalry is not dead I guess, or at least hardcore judgement is thriving.  After the photos, Phil promptly took the tree and actually carried it home. In case you were on the edge of your seat wondering.

So this post is just basically me laughing while I carry a Christmas tree in a dress that feels like I’m wearing jammies. This dress allows you to lounge around at a party at a friends house, or wear some statement jewelry and head to the bar your office rented out for the evening.

This jewelry was gifted to me from Banana Republic a while ago.  I love wearing it year round, but this time of year it’s especially festive.

This peppermint bark is also so good, my co workers are BUYING it from me. So there’s that.

So get cracking! And I hope the holidays are treating you semi decently.

Forever21 jersey dress (similar)(similar) / maroon tights (similar) / Banana Republic statement necklace (similar) / Clark’s boots (similar)

Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

• 6 oz high quality white chocolate
• 12 oz high quality bittersweet chocolate
• 1 1/2 tsp canola oil
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 3-4 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

• Put your candy canes in a plastic bag and crush with bottom of a mug or rolling pin
• Line a rimmed backing sheet with parchment paper, set aside
• Coarsely chop both chocolates
• Melt your bittersweet chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water or the microwave with 1 tsp of canola oil
• Melt your white chocolate with 1/2 tsp of canola oil and peppermint extract in the microwave
• *When using the microwave, make sure to only do 15-20 seconds at a time on 50%-80% power. Take out the chocolate, stir it and repeat until fully melted.*
• *If using double boiler, allow water to come to a simmer in bottom pan, place top saucepan with chocolate on top and, stirring frequently, melt chocolate*
• Pour bittersweet chocolate onto parchment paper, spreading into a thin layer with offset spatula
• Pour white chocolate on top and with a knife or toothpick swirl the chocolates together until you’re content with the swirly deliciousness you’ve created
• Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top and place in fridge to set. Should be ready within an hour or so, but I left mine in overnight to be sure.
• Break apart chocolate into rough pieces and enjoy

P.S.

*This dessert/snack is so refreshing and addictive, but feel free to reduce the peppermint extract down to 1/4 tsp if you think the flavor may be too strong
*Love your Jews?? Me too! Use blue and white candy canes to make the perfect Hanukkah gift or item to bring to a celebration of the festival of lights!