Last minute gifts: Homemade Candy

If you need a few last minute gifts or a sweet treat to serve your guests this coming weekend,  here are a few candies you can whip up in a jiffy.  This year I made a few simple treats for work; candied oranges and pretzel rods dipped in dark chocolate and my favorite holiday candy, peppermint bark.

Candied orange peels ready for dipping

Dipped pretzels rolled in sprinkles and toffee chips

Peppermint Bark ready for a work party

Peppermint bark couldn't be easier; I follow Paula Deen's* proportion of white chocolate to candy canes.  Combine 2lbs of white chocolate chips to 1 cup of crushed candy canes.  To reap 1 cup of crushed candy canes you will need one entire box of mini candy canes or 6-8 regular candy canes.  *I omit the peppermint extract, I do not think the bark needs it.

1). Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.  Wrap the Ziploc bag in a dish towel to keep the shards of candy cane under wraps (trust me.) Take a rolling pin/meat tenderizer/hammer and crush the candy canes.  This step is great stress release if you've had a bad day or ran out of wrapping paper mid-package and have no extra in the house...only me?

2) In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips down until they are melted completely.  You can do this in the microwave as well but I prefer the double boiler method.  While the chips melt, prepare a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper to spread the candy on.

3) Add the crushed candy canes to the chocolate and stir till fully combined.  Quickly spread the white chocolate and candy cane mixture over the parchment.  It doesn't need to be neat, but you just need it to be the same thickness everywhere for the best results.  Set aside to harden, this will take several hours or you can leave it overnight.

4) Crack the bark into individual pieces and wrap in bags or tins or start enjoying immediately with a cup of cocoa.  And don't forget...

The infinite wisdom of Target hanging in my kitchen

It's an easy treat, but a delicious holiday favorite in my family. Since I'm still figuring out what to serve my family for dessert, what holiday treats are favorites around your house?  Anyone have a pie or cake recipe I need to try for Christmas dinner?