Countdown to Christmas + Peppermint Bark

I can't believe that Christmas is just 3 short days away.  Our Christmas will be a little quieter this year ... a little simpler.  My Mom has had a rough month with many ups and downs but she continues to improve slowly.  Bobby and I will get together with friends on Christmas Eve then spend Christmas day with family.

Last week we bought a tree and decorated it.  Nothing beats the smell of a fresh tree ... one of those "must haves" where every whiff lets you know that it's Christmas!  I've kept the decorations more wintry than Christmas this year.  That way I get to enjoy them a littler longer, especially since I was so late getting them up.  The little bit of  shopping I managed to get done was bought online and honestly, I haven't missed going to the mall and fighting the crowds at all!

I haven't done much baking this Christmas either but I did get my peppermint bark made this week.  I usually give bags of this to friends and neighbours and they've come to expect it.  I couldn't disappoint them!

Peppermint Bark - adapted from Martha Stewart Recipes

2 pounds white chocolate

12 candy canes

3/4 tsp. peppermint oil

1.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper.

2.  Melt chocolate using the "melt" setting on your microwave.

3.  Chop the candy canes into approximately 1/4" pieces using the pulse setting on your food processor.

4.  Stir the pieces of candy canes and the peppermint oil into the melted chocolate.  Spread evenly on the cookie sheet.  Chill until firm.  Break into pieces.

Wishing you and your families the gift of love, the gift of peace and the gift of happiness ... 

Merry Christmas!  

xo