{Christmas Crack}

There is something about peppermint bark at the holidays that makes you want to forfeit all your sensible knowledge of nutritional facts, balanced meal plans and gorge yourself with as much of the treat as you can. Well, maybe that is just me but I swear this stuff is addicting. It is so easy to make, which is terrible news for my attempt at healthy eating. 

Calories don't count at Christmas time, right?

{candy canes}

No skimping on ingredients. The better the chocolate & candy canes, the better the Christmas crack. 

 {chocolate chips}

I am a big fan of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips, but dark chocolate works just as well.

To temper the chocolate, melt in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. 

You will know it is done when the chocolate starts to get shiny.

Make sure you do not get any water into the bowl, it will ruin the chocolate!

Pour onto a tinfoil lined baking sheet & place in the fridge to set.

{white chocolate chips}

Melt the white chocolate chips the same way you did the dark chocolate.

When the chips are almost completely melted, mix in peppermint extract.

I always pour in little bits at a time, tasting as I go to make sure it is the right amount.

Once there is enough, add 1 candy cane that has been crushed into a fine dust. 

Mmmmm.

Immediately pour over the dark chocolate, spreading evenly.

Beware -- if you don't work quickly, the warm white chocolate will melt the chocolate underneath, and start to make a marble effect...bad!

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top & press in to stick.

Smaller chunks are better, but you still want to be able to see the color.

Allow it to set in the fridge for at least 2 hours, before you can take it out to break into pieces.

The chocolate should still be somewhat moldable.

You will know when it is ready, it will still bend a little then snap. 

I usually use a knife or fork, my fingers get too hot and tend to melt the chocolate!

Is it cocky to say I could give William Sonoma a run for its money?

I think not.

{christmas crack in all its glory}

Christmas Countdown: 3 days!