Peppermint Bark

YES, I know it's August...but when the newest "daughter" asks for something, a Mom's got to do it!

12 oz white chocolate chips
24 crushed peppermint candies
1 tsp vegetable oil

Melt white chocolate in the microwave with 1 tsp vegetable oil (do NOT substitute olive oil) Cook for 30 seconds, stir well and you'll notice the chips start to melt. Heat for an extra 30 seconds and stir well again...this may be enough to get you a smooth chocolate base or you may need to heat it an additional 10 - 15 seconds..stir until smooth...do not over cook!

Spread in a well grease baking dish (spray it liberally with cooking spray). Pour in chocolate to a 1/4 inch sheet. I use an 8x8 dish and this does nicely for this amount of bark. If you increase the recipe, use a larger dish.

Top immediately with crushed peppermints, you may want to tap them down into the chocolate so it doesn't fall off (why waste the yummiest part?).

Place in the refrigerator (or freezer if you are in a hurry)until the chocolate sets completely. Flip onto a chopping board and then break into sections!

I like "two tone" bark. I do a layer of milk chocolate or dark chocolate first, let it sit in the freezer for 15 minutes then add the layer of white chocolate then the peppermints...I like the combinations of dark and white chocolate the best.

You can substitute crushed Oreo cookies instead of the peppermint or practically any hard candy, cookie or chopped candy bar of your choice to make this your personal holiday favorite. It also makes an inexpensive and attractive gift!