Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark

Years ago I was in Philly for a work trip and brought some peppermint bark. I have loved it ever since, but could not find it. So I decided like most things this has to be easy to make. Dark chocolate, white chocolate and peppermint candy. How hard is that.

So here is my recipe for it.

Dark chocolate. ( I use the candy coating, but use what you like)
White chocolate
Peppermint extract
Peppermint candy canes
Hammer

Melt the dark chocolate and add one teaspoon of peppermint extract. Spread onto a foil lined pan. Melt white chocolate and spread on top. If you wait to long, the chocolates will not stick together. However if you do it too fast they will mix. Which is not bad at times.  I wait about 10 minutes and spread careful. If it mixes a little the canes will cover it. Break the peppermint candy canes up. I put them in a ziplock and use a hammer. The kids love doing this part.

Spread broken candy over the top. Let sit for about an hour or longer. Break into pieces.

ENJOY we do and everyone that love peppermint will love it.
Sorry it was gone before I could take a pic. Maybe next time.

Note,
I do not use baking chips as they add stabilizers to keep their form. Also if you like more or less peppermint taste just change up the extract

My Chocolate Icing

I have made several cakes over the years. (I'm working on uploading photos of most of them).  And I get requests for my recipes all the time. Which is one of the reasons why I'm working on my own cookbook.  I love looking through books, finding recipes and making changes when needed. I have made many mistakes over the years, but who hasn't that cooks.

Enough said...... here is one of my Chocolate Icing recipes.

4 Tablespoons butter
4 oz chocolate melted. (find a chocolate you like) or 2 Tablespoons cocoa mixed with a little hot water first.
1-2 cups powder sugar
water

Melt butter, add melted chocolate or cocoa and mix. Add powder sugar a little at a time. If it gets thick, too thick add water. Just mix it to the way you like it. Ice your cake and eat away. Or send me some. :-)

You can add vanilla if you would like. I forget it sometimes.

3 Minute Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) margarine or butter
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/3 cup baking cocoa
• 3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

Preparation
In large saucepan, combine sugar, margarine, milk and cocoa. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat. Stir in oats.* Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.
Variations
*If using old fashioned oats, cool mixture in saucepan 5 minutes.
Yield
ABOUT 3 DOZEN

Ginger Snaps

I have had some requests for this recipe. Ginger is really good for the stomach, so why not eat some ginger snaps.

 

¾ Cup Shortening, you could use butter but I had shortening

1 Cup Sugar

1 egg

¼ c molasses

2 Cup flour

2 teaspoone Baking Soda

1-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon salt

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses, Combine flour, Baking Soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape teaspoonfuls into balls. Dip one side into sugar, place sugar side up on a baking sheet. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crinkly. Remove to wire racks to cool. 3-4 DZ

Enjoy, let me know how they turn out.