3 Different Ways to Peppermint Bark

My pandora station is on repeat Christmas Music, the tree is decorated and I have brought out all of my Christmas Jammies! 

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!!

I am one of those people that really loves the whole month of christmas. I loooove holiday traditions! I am still at my University in Colorado for another few days but I'll leave on Friday for southern California to be with my family for the holidays and I couldn't be more excited. I'll never get tired of wearing a sundress on Christmas (yes, I feel for all of you who are trapped in negative degree weather). 

I can't wait to sit on the couch with my beagle forrest, sip on some hot chocolate all while A Christmas Story is on the TV. Perfection.

Okay, I'll get to the point of this post now 'christmas excitement rant over'. 

What are some of your favorite holiday treats to give away during the holidays ?! Fudge is probably my #1. I swear everyone loves fudge. Peppermint bark also makes my top list! It's super easy to make and is extremely festive!

Whether you plan on giving peppermint bark or received some peppermint bark it always seems to grace upon us during the holidays. I am 100% not complaining, I love the stuff! William's Sonoma is always a fan favorite but you can also find it in stores like World Market, Target, Trader Joes, etc. OR! You can make it at home :) Here are three peppermint bark variations to keep in mind for holiday gifting this holiday season! Enjoy!

Classic Peppermint Bark - 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In two glass bowls measure equal amounts of dark and white chocolate (you can use milk chocolate if you prefer). Microwave chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring after each increment until melted. Pour dark chocolate onto parchment paper and spread an even layer. Freeze for ten minutes. Repeat same step for white chocolate. Top with crushed peppermint candies.

*Note* for chocolate swirls I put melted chocolate into a ziplock bag, cut the tip off and piped horizontal lines while white chocolate was still warm. I then dragged a knife in opposite directions to create design. 

Peppermint Bark Brownies - 

Prepare your favorite brownie recipe (boxed is fine) and cool completely. Complete same steps for peppermint bark but place on top of brownie instead of parchment paper. Place in freezer for 10 minutes before serving. 

Peppermint Bark Brownie Sundaes - 

Rim a glass with crushed peppermint candies. Fill glass with layers of peppermint bark brownies, vanilla ice cream, crushed peppermint candies and top with ridiculous amounts of hot fudge. 

Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin Brownies

brownies

3/4 Cup of all purpose flour
1/2 Cup of dark chocolate cocoa powder
1/4 Teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/2 Teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon of salt
1/2  Cup of packed brown sugar
1 Cup of white granulated sugar
1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract
3/4 Cup of canola oil
3 Eggs

pumpkin

1 Cup of pumpkin puree
1/2 Cup of brown sugar
3 Ounces of cream cheese
1 Tablespoon of butter at room temperature
1 Tablespoon of flour
2 Teaspoons of pumpkin spice
1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 Egg
*chocolate chips optional

for brownies

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. Line a 8x8 or a 9x9 square pan with parchment paper and grease with butter or canola spray. 

In a large bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl combine brown sugar + granulated sugar, vanilla extract, canola oil and three eggs. Mix wet mixture with wooden spoon for 2-3 or until light and fluffy. Add in dry mixture in two separate additions and mix well after each. Pour brownie mixture into greased pan and set aside.

for pumpkin

In a medium bowl mix together with a hand or stand mixer all the ingredients for pumpkin layer for 1-2 minutes until well blended. Spoon over brownie batter and smooth with a spatula for an even layer. *Optional to top with chocolate chips at this point. Bake for 50-60 minutes until spoon comes out clean.