Step 1

Baking Directions:

Step 2

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Step 3

Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.

Step 4

Pour the semi or bittersweet chocolate chips in an even layer on the foil.

Step 5

Place in oven for 5 minutes or until almost melted.

Step 6

Immediately remove chocolate from oven, even if it appears to still be holding its shape (it will most likely be ready to spread smooth).

Step 7

Using an offset spatula, rubber spatula or knife, spread chocolate evenly in the pan bottom.

Step 8

Place in refrigerator until cold and firm, about 20 minutes.

Step 9

While the dark chocolate is cooling, melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water (don’t let bottom of bowl touch water), until chocolate is almost melted.

Step 10

Remove bowl from water and stir until completely melted, stirring in extract and canola oil.

Step 11

Let cool a little bit so it doesn’t melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top.

Step 12

Pour white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover.

Step 13

The dark chocolate may melt a little but don’t worry.

Step 14

Have fun with this! You’re making something delicious for those you love! Gourmet magazine isn’t sending photographers to shoot your peppermint bark for a holiday photo spread on desserts! Immediately after spreading the white chocolate over the dark, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the entire surface.

Step 15

Cool in the refrigerator for an hour or overnight.

Step 16

Break pieces into “bark” and enjoy!Kathleen Daelemans is the author of “Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen, 200 Easy Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss.”