On December 1 we celebrate National Peppermint Bark Day a day to celebrate minty peppermint with rich, creamy chocolate for a sweet. Where the “bark” is finished with a snowfall of peppermint candy pieces. I guess, Peppermints Barks are everyone’s favourites from all age groups of people. If you are also a peppermint Bark lover then this topic is for you,
History of National Peppermint Bark Day
Did you know that, in 1998, Williams Sonoma debuted The Original Peppermint Bark, which is now often copied but never matches in quality or flavor. However, it was crafted in small batches with no added artificial flavour or colour this top-quality bark is made with a custom blend of Guittard chocolate and triple-distilled peppermint oil.
Also, the company spends 12 weeks every year making Peppermint Bark just for the holidays till now as of 2024. It took more than 20 rounds of testing to settle on the perfect recipe for Peppermint Bark and it takes more than 24 hours to make a batch from start to finish.
Receip Classic Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) of milk chocolate chips
- 12 ounces (340 grams) of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (about 10-12) of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract (optional)
How to make:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to set.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. If desired, stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the set milk chocolate layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the milk chocolate layer completely.
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate layer. Lightly press the candies into the chocolate with the back of a spoon to help them adhere.
- Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the bark is fully set and hardened.
- Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces by hand or with a knife.
- Store peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer storage.
5 Delightfully Sweet Facts About Peppermint Bark
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It took a few attempts to reach perfection- Did you know that it took Williams Sonoma more than 20 rounds of testing before they landed on the perfect recipe for their Peppermint Bark?
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1/4 of the year is spent on prepping it- Williams Sonoma spends 12 weeks a year making their Peppermint Bark, especially in preparation for the holiday season.
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They use a lot of chocolate- More than 1 million lbs of Guittard chocolate is used each holiday season to make Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark.
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It takes a day to make- Making a single batch of Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark takes 24 hours, from start to finish.
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A lot of peppermint bits go into it- Williams Sonoma makes 65,000 peppermint bits to sprinkle on top of their Peppermint Bark.
Conclusion
In conclusion, On December 1, we celebrate National Peppermint Bark Day a day of a delightful combination of cool, refreshing peppermint and rich, creamy chocolate making it a quintessential holiday treat.
Its festive flavours and satisfying crunch offer a sweet and enjoyable way to celebrate the season, making it a favourite choice for indulgence and sharing during the holidays.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for peppermint bark?
Yes, you can use a variety of chocolates including dark, milk, white, or even flavored chocolates.
How long does peppermint bark stay fresh?
Peppermint bark typically stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature also it can also be refrigerated for up to a month if you prefer.
Can I freeze peppermint bark?
Yes, peppermint bark can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is peppermint bark gluten-free?
Peppermint bark is generally gluten-free, but always check the labels of ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if you have a sensitivity or allergy.
