Peppermint bark is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Martha Stewart, renowned lifestyle expert and entertaining guru, has a recipe for peppermint bark that is sure to impress. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make Martha Stewart’s famous peppermint bark, along with tips and tricks for making it look and taste its best.
From the perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors to the beautiful red and white layers, Martha Stewart’s peppermint bark is a holiday classic that is both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you are looking for a homemade gift to give to friends and family or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat during the holiday season, this article will guide you through the process of making Martha Stewart’s famous peppermint bark from start to finish.
The Ingredients Needed to Make Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark
Martha Stewart’s Peppermint Bark recipe is a Christmas favorite for many people. To make this delicious treat, you need a few ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. The main ingredients for the bark include good quality chocolate, candy canes, and peppermint extract.
For the chocolate, you can use either dark or white, depending on your preference. It’s important to choose a high-quality chocolate to ensure that the bark has a smooth and silky texture. For the candy canes, you can use either the classic red and white-striped or a more colorful version. The candy canes should be crushed into small pieces to sprinkle over the chocolate layer. Peppermint extract is used to give the bark a lovely minty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. With these three ingredients, you’re on your way to making a delicious batch of Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Preparing the Peppermint Bark Mix
To prepare the peppermint bark mix for making Martha Stewart’s peppermint bark, you will need to follow these step-by-step instructions.
Firstly, line a 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Then, melt 1 pound of semisweet chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and mix thoroughly. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Next, melt 1 pound of white chocolate in the same way as the semisweet chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and spread the white chocolate evenly over the semisweet chocolate layer. Finally, sprinkle 6 finely crushed candy canes over the layer of white chocolate and gently press them into the chocolate. Let the peppermint bark cool at room temperature until firm, which should take around 1 hour, before breaking it up into small pieces and serving.
Tips and Tricks for Tempering Chocolate Like a Pro
Tempering chocolate can be a intimidating process, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you too can temper chocolate like a pro and create the perfect Martha Stewart peppermint bark. Firstly, it is important to use high-quality, pure chocolate for your peppermint bark. This will ensure an even temper and ultimate deliciousness.
To temper chocolate, you will need to melt it using a double boiler and then slowly cool it down while continuously stirring. One important tip is to not overheat your chocolate – this can cause it to “seize” and become grainy. Another helpful trick is to reserve some unmelted chocolate to add to the melted chocolate after it has reached the desired temperature. This helps to create a stable and shiny tempered chocolate. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can create a perfectly tempered chocolate base for your Martha Stewart peppermint bark.
Adding Crushed Peppermint Candies to the Chocolate
Adding crushed peppermint candies to the chocolate is a crucial step in making Martha Stewart’s peppermint bark. Once the chocolate has melted, you need to sprinkle a generous amount of crushed peppermint candies on top of the melted chocolate. This will give the bark the classic peppermint flavor and a beautiful red and white color.
It’s important to use good quality peppermint candies for the best flavor and appearance. You can crush the candy canes in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Be sure to sprinkle the crushed candies over the warm chocolate while it’s still soft. Let the bark cool and set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before breaking it into pieces and serving it. The result will be a delicious and festive treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.
Decorative Techniques for Creating Beautiful Swirls and Patterns
Creating beautiful swirls and patterns on your Martha Stewart peppermint bark can take it from a simple treat to an impressive masterpiece. There are several techniques you can employ to achieve this, some of which are easy and require no special tools.
One of the easiest ways is to simply drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bark, using a fork or piping bag. You can create diagonal lines, zigzags, or any other pattern you desire. Another method is to use a toothpick or skewer to create swirls in the bark. Drag the toothpick or skewer through the melted chocolate in a swirling motion to create a beautiful marbling effect. You can also use crushed candy canes or decorative sprinkles to add texture and color to your bark. By using these decorative techniques, your Martha Stewart peppermint bark will not only be delicious but also a stunning treat that will impress your guests.
Packaging the Peppermint Bark for Gifting or Storing
Once you have successfully made Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark, it’s time to package it for gifting or storing. The best way to package it for gifting is by using clear cellophane bags and tying them with a festive ribbon. You can also place them in holiday-themed containers or tins, which can be easily purchased from any supermarket or craft store. If you want to get creative, you can create your packaging by decorating plain boxes or bags with hand-drawn Christmas designs or stamps.
For storing, you need to place your Peppermint Bark in an airtight container and leave it at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze the bark as it will cause the chocolate to bloom and lose its texture. If stored correctly, the Peppermint Bark can last up to two weeks. It is always a good idea to label your containers with the date it was made, so you know when it should be consumed. With these packaging and storing tips, your Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.
Variations on the Classic Recipe: Trying Out Different Flavors and Add-Ins
While the classic recipe for Martha Stewart peppermint bark is undoubtedly delicious, sometimes it’s good to switch things up and try something new. Fortunately, there are countless variations on the classic recipe that you can try to customize the flavor and add-ins to your liking!
One popular variation is to swap out the traditional peppermint candy for other flavors, such as white chocolate and raspberry or milk chocolate and caramel. You can also experiment with different add-ins, such as dried fruit, nuts, or even cereal! By getting creative and trying new combinations, you can create a unique and delicious version of Martha Stewart peppermint bark that truly represents your own personal tastes and preferences.
Conclusion
Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark is undoubtedly a delectable Christmas treat that everyone loves. With its easy-to-follow recipe and beautiful presentation, this dessert is perfect for gift-giving or sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
To make this peppermint bark, you simply need to melt the chocolate layers, crush the candy canes, and layer them together. However, to achieve the signature Martha Stewart quality and flavor, it’s important to use high-quality chocolate and fresh peppermint.
Overall, making Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark is a fun and rewarding experience that will fill your home with sweet festive aromas and bring joy to those who taste it. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious treat that is guaranteed to delight your guests.