Easy Peppermint Bark

Steps

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1. 1
   Chop 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate into small, uniformly-sized pieces. Uniform size ensures the chocolate melts evenly without burning any larger chunks.
   ▶ ≈0:00
2. 2
   Melt the semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler method. Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot containing 1–2 inches of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until mostly melted, then remove from heat and let residual warmth finish the job.
   ▶ ≈0:26
3. 3
   Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the bark from sticking. A 9×9 pan works too, though the bark will be slightly thinner.
   ▶ ≈1:41
4. 4
   Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula or offset knife. Refrigerate for 10–20 minutes until the chocolate is partially set (firm but not completely hard), then remove it.
   ▶ ≈2:33
5. 5
   Chop 16 oz of white chocolate into small, uniform pieces and melt using a double boiler or microwave (30-second increments at half power). White chocolate is more temperamental than dark chocolate, so use careful heat.
   ▶ ≈2:58
6. 6
   Crush 7 candy canes by placing them in a bag and breaking them with a rolling pin or mallet. You want a mix of sizes with visible stripes. Reserve 1/3 cup of crushed candy for mixing into the white chocolate, and set aside the rest for topping.
   ▶ ≈7:07
7. 7
   Remove the melted white chocolate from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Fold in the reserved 1/3 cup of crushed candy cane pieces.
   ▶ ≈8:29
8. 8
   Pour the white chocolate mixture over the partially set dark chocolate layer and gently smooth it into an even layer. Be gentle to preserve the distinct two-layer appearance.
   ▶ ≈9:07
9. 9
   Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane pieces evenly over the top of the white chocolate layer.
   ▶ ≈9:42
10. 10
    Refrigerate the bark for at least 1 hour until completely set.
    ▶ ≈9:57
11. 11
    Remove the chilled bark from the parchment paper and cut it into bite-sized or gift-appropriate pieces using a sharp knife. Serve or package as holiday gifts.
    ▶ ≈10:13