Peppermint bark

History

The origins of peppermint bark are unclear. Williams Sonoma introduced its version and popularized it in 1998, though the confection existed as early as 1966 in the United States. Peppermint bark is a variation on chocolate bark, which is thought to be derived from traditional French mendiants, though the true origins of this connection have been lost.

Recipes and ingredients

The recipe for peppermint bark uses few ingredients, with only chocolate and mint candies required. Some recipes also add peppermint flavoring. The candies used may be candy canes. The candies should be broken up, and the chocolate is melted. These two ingredients are combined on a baking sheet and then chilled until firm. The bark is then removed from the sheet and broken into pieces in a similar way to peanut brittle.

Variations on peppermint bark can include a two-toned layered type, where a bottom layer of dark chocolate is covered with the white chocolate and crushed mint layer on top. This particular variation also includes Ghirardelli's Peppermint Bark Squares.

References

References

1. O'Rourke, Michael. (26 October 2011). "Candy corn makes October special". MySA.
2. Flaherty, Julie. (14 December 2003). "Personal Business; Long Christmas List? You Can Outsource It". The New York Times.
3. (2016-11-07). "How Williams-Sonoma's Peppermint Bark Became a Cult Phenomenon".
4. Maas Brothers. (1966-09-12). "Pretzel or Peppermint Bark". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
5. (2020-12-16). "Why Is Chocolate Bark Called Bark?".
6. (2015-12-04). "The Origins of 15 Holiday Foods and Drinks".
7. Deen, Paula. "Peppermint bark". Food Network.
8. Sutton, Tori. (10 November 2011). "A sweet kick-off to the holiday season". Stratford Gazette.
9. "Restodontê {{!}} Café Bombado: o café com óleo de coco". Restodontê.
10. Sharrock, Jane. (2004). "Who Wants Candy?". HP Books.
11. (11 November 2011). "CE creates a new TV spot inviting consumers to enjoy a special holiday moment with Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares". Campbell Ewald.