Peppermint Candy Chocolate Bark

As the holiday season approaches it is always nice to be thankful for what we have in our lives; it is important to focus on the good present rather that what is missing. For some holidays can be bittersweet- happy for the holly times or reminiscent of what used to be. But it is always important to shine the light on the dark and be grateful for our lives and the people in them. At the Hebrew school I teach as we discuss ways to give back to others and how we can be thankful for all we have. This past week we also had a discussion of how we can thank people, or G-d in the religious aspect of the school as well as where we can talk to G-d. Once this question arose, as we were sitting in the sanctuary of the Temple, a child called out, "Church! We can talk in Church!" Sometimes that needed chuckle is necessary and allows us to take a step back and appreciate all the good around us.  To appreciate and say thank you, this peppermint bark is a great gift.

Ingredients:

2 bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 bags of white chocolate chips
1/2- 1 cups of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instant coffee

Directions:

Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment paper.

Make a double boiler and place the semi-sweet chocolate and about 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in the top part of the boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt and stir often. Once the chocolate is a smooth consistency, pour it into the pan. Place the pan into the fridge to allow the chocolate to harden.

While the chocolate is in the fridge, melt down the white chocolate. Once the white chocolate has also melted to a smooth consistency, pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate. Before placing the chocolate in the fridge, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy over the white chocolate. Place the pan into the fridge and allow the chocolate to harden.

(*If wanting a smoother or more fudge like consistency, add a bit of milk into each of the chocolates as they are melting in the double boiler.)

Once hard, break the chocolate into pieces and enjoy!

Happy Holiday!