TODAY we celebrate a delicious candy enjoyed during the holiday season, the Peppermint Bark.

Peppermint Bark is a popular holiday confection that is enjoyed during the Christmas season. It typically consists of layers of white and dark chocolate, with crushed peppermint candy or peppermint extract for flavor. The layers are usually set and then broken into irregular pieces.

Its history was not documented unlike some of the other culinary creations, but it is generally believed to have originated in the United States and gained popularity as a holiday treat. The exact origins and the person or place credited with its invention are not clear, but peppermint bark has become a widely enjoyed and iconic holiday confection.

Peppermint candies and chocolate have long been associated with winter holidays, and the combination of the two in a layered, visually appealing treat seems to have emerged as a festive favorite.  Peppermint bark shares similarities with other chocolate and peppermint treats, such as chocolate-covered peppermint patties. However, peppermint bark specifically refers to the layered combination of dark and white chocolate with crushed peppermint on top.

Here is a simple recipe you can follow.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of high-quality white chocolate, chopped
• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), melt the dark chocolate until smooth. You can also melt it in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
3. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
4. Allow the dark chocolate to set. You can speed up this process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Melt the white chocolate: In a clean, heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate using the same method as the dark chocolate.
6. Stir in peppermint extract: If using peppermint extract, stir it into the melted white chocolate.
7. Pour the melted white chocolate over the set dark chocolate layer and spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the white chocolate layer.
9. Allow the Peppermint Bark to set: Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
10. Break into pieces: Once set, remove the Peppermint Bark from the refrigerator and break it into irregular pieces.

As with many culinary creations, the popularity of peppermint bark has grown over time, and it has become a staple during the holiday season. Many people enjoy making peppermint bark at home as a festive treat to share with family and friends or to give as gifts.

So, today, celebrate the holiday by creating some Peppermint bark to share with your friends and family as gifts or just served after Christmas dinner for everyone to enjoy!