21 December 2011

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!



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

12 comments:

  1. We're also having a simpler Christmas this year -- and so far I'm loving it. I find it hard to believe that we're so close to Christmas now though -- I think the weather is having some influence there.

    I love these photographs Lynda...sharp, clear and creative!

    And I think I'm going to try this recipe for peppermint bark...something my husband really enjoys and he might enjoy it even more knowing I made it myself (and if it doesn't turn out...I'll say I bought it!!! lol!!).

    Merry Christmas to you and your family Lynda! xo

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  2. Your peppermint bark looks so delicious! Your Christmas celebrations actually sound very civilised. I could certainly have done without all the trips to the mall!! Have a wonderful Christmas day!

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  3. That peppermint bark looks so yummy! I do a lot of my shopping online too...it's so much easier. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas :)

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  4. Dear Lynda,
    praying your mom continues to recover and wishing you and Bobby a wonderful blessed Christmas..If I were a neighbor I too, would be expecting this wonderful treat..yummy..and your photo's are one again wonderful..
    p.s. your hand painted snowman boxes(moon's ago) are still a delight to me and I'm still enjoying them..Thank You!!!

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  5. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas from this grumpy old man!

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  6. Mmmm I want one !
    I wish you a merry Xmas ! ♥

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  7. The peppermint bark looks scrumptious! I wish your mother continued recovery and to, Lynda and yours, a wonderful Christmas!

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  8. Carissima Lynda....A very, very happy Christmas to You & your Dearest Ones....!

    I do love your gorgeous, crisp Christmaspeppermint bark.....I never tasted anything like it; but I bet it is just wonderful!!!

    The elegantissima presentation is as SUBLIME as always, cara!!!!!!

    All my very best wishes!!!!!!!!

    ciao ciao ed un abbraccione forte!!
    elvira

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  9. Beautiful, festive photos! Merry Christmas, dear Lynda!! I'm so happy to hear your Mom is improving and hope she is fully well very soon. Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season and very Happy New Year!! with love, – g

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  10. What beautiful photographs these are Lynda, and I am glad that you Mom is doing better.

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you a very happy New Year.

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  11. Hoping your holidays were sweet ones. Happy New Year Hugs!

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  12. I love these~! Thank you for sharing the recipe and the beautiful photographs!

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