Peppermint Bark- Good last minute gift for the neighbors

 







  I've made this recipe a couple times during the holidays starting a few years ago. I was making gifts for the neighbors and coworkers that included things like homemade dog treats, ornaments, homemade jam, etc... and I wanted to include something sweet. After seeing the price of peppermint bark at Williams Sonoma I knew I couldn't afford to buy it for everyone but I really liked the sound of it. So I looked for a recipe and I found this one by Paula Deen on Food Network. 
  It was very easy to make and I still requests for it. I just break it into chunks, put into cellophane bags(available at craft store like Michaels) or paper bags and tie with a bow. 
 
Peppermint Bark Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

• Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
• 2 pounds white chocolate
• Peppermint flavorings, optional

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)