[Link Up] Christmas Desserts and Tacky Sweaters : The recipes.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

I've been like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for today to come. Every since we announced this link up last week, I have been so excited to see what recipes you all would share. I love seeing what people's go-to recipes are for holidays or what new recipes they have come across that they wanted to try.


The recipe that I want to share with you today is super simple, festive, and super yummy (if you like mint and you like chocolate)! I'm pretty sure I pinned this recipe on Pinterest many years ago but last Christmas I decided to try it out and it has since become requested as a staple in our dessert menu : Grasshopper Mint Chocolate Bark.

Please don't be scared by the words "double boiler". I think I tried it that way last year (with Seth's help) but this year I opted for the microwave version and it turned out just as good!


INGREDIENTS:

16 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon mint extract (NOT peppermint), optional
Green food coloring
16 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 box (4.67-ounces) Andes Crème de Menthe Thins, unwrapped and coarsely chopped


DIRECTIONS:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler (or in 30-second intervals in the microwave on 50% power, stirring after each). 


Once the chocolate is melted, remove from the heat and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Add the mint extract, if using (I didn't use any because I didn't have any and didn't want to buy some just for this recipe and I still think it tastes plenty minty without it), and stir to combine. Add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until desired color is reached.

3. Spread the white chocolate mixture onto the prepared pan in an even layer (depending on the size of the pan and how thick you’d like your bark, you may not need the entire surface of the pan). Refrigerate for 15 minutes, until just about set.


4. Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate over a double boiler (or in 30-second intervals in the microwave on 50% power, stirring after each). 


Once the chocolate is melted, remove from the heat and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Pour over the white chocolate layer and spread evenly over top. Sprinkle with the chopped Andes mints and press down lightly to push the mints into the top chocolate layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until completely set.


5. Cut the bark or break into uneven pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. When stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for at least 2 weeks.



As you can see, the bark can be pretty thick depending upon how thin you spread it. Remember that you are adding two layers of chocolate and then the mint pieces on top. I probably could have spread it a little more thinly because it ended up being kind of hard to break apart after it all set.

I just used a butter knife to cut the bark apart by sticking it in random places and pressing down to break it apart. If it broke into too large of a piece, I just cut it again until it was at the desired size that I wanted.



This bark was a HUGE hit last Christmas and I know my family will be so excited to have it again this year!

(original recipe found here)

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Now it's your turn!

Link up with us and show us what your favorite holiday desserts are. I'm dying to try a new recipe!


11 comments:

  1. Ooo, that looks yummy! I love Andes mints so this is right up my alley.

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  2. These are tooooootally up my alley! While everyone is all "pumpkin spice!!!", I'm secretly waiting for season of the mint! Will definitely be trying these soon! Also, the microwave is totally the way to go, I suck at the double boiler too. It burned everything! Ha

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  3. I could eat that WHOLE PAN. Seriously they look so good!

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  4. Yum! I love anything mint and chocolate!
    Whitney

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  5. This looks uhh-mazing!!! Thank you for sharing, I'm a sucker for Andes mints!

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  6. Yum! I've never made a bark before, but I might give it a whirl!

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  7. Yum! I had no idea "bark" was so easy! definitely going to give it a try!

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  8. I know I am a fan of chocolate and mint! winner winner!! I love bark. Love that you were scared of the double boiler lol.

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  9. That looks AMAZING! We did our baking today, is it too late to link up tomorrow?

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  10. Oh man these look amazing! Definitely saving this recipe. And I am so sad I missed this while on my unplanned blogging hiatus {life!!} !!!!

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