Thanks to today’s guest blogger, Michelle Sybert from Muffin Tin Mom, who is the host of Muffin Tin Monday, a creative call to parents to come up with meals served in muffin tins. If you haven’t tried it, you should! It’s a fun way to get your kids to enjoy their meals. I love this creative twist on one of my favorite holiday treats, Peppermint Bark. Hey, I bet you could also use these ice cube molds to serve muffin tin-style meals! -Heather
peppermintbarktrees

Christmas Tree Shaped Peppermint Bark by Michelle Sybert, Muffin Tin Mom

Peppermint bark is one of my favorite holiday treats to make. It requires very few ingredients and preparation, but delivers big on taste. So, when I saw our local Dollar Store had ice cube molds in the shape of Christmas trees, I knew I could give this classic treat a little creative kick.
peppermintbarktrees2
You’ll need:
  • 1 Christmas Tree Shaped Ice Cube Mold, $1
  • 1 Bag Peppermint Candies, $1
  • 1 Bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, $1 and up
  • 1 Package White Chocolate/Almond Bark, about $2.50
  • 2 glass bowls for mixing and heating
  • Various spoons for stirring.
  • 1 small butter knife or child-sized knife

Total: $5.50 and up

peppermintbarktrees3

Here’s How:
1. Unwrap the peppermint candies (as many as you think you will need) and place them in a plastic bag. Using the heavy end of a screwdriver or dinner knife, crush the candies into little bits.
2. Place several bits of the crushed candies in the bottom of each tree mold, enough to cover the bottom.
3. Heat the WHITE chocolate bark in a bowl for 30 second intervals, stirring as you go along. I melted about 1/3 of package a time. It’s easier to work with.
4. Once it is melted, use a small knife or spoon to cover the candies with the melted chocolate. Leave room for the layer of brown chips.
5. Place in fridge to allow to set for 15 minutes or more.
6. While White Chocolate is setting, melt the semi sweet chocolate in the same way as the white.
7. Remove tree mold from fridge.
8. Spoon melted BROWN chocolate over hardened white chocolate.
9. Place in fridge again to set.
10. After 15-20 minutes, remove from fridge and gently peel the silicone mold  away from the candy.
Ingredients purchased should make enough for 20-25 pieces.
There you have it! Homemade Peppermint Bark
peppermintbarktrees4
Tips and Tricks:
**I definitely recommend layering the candy in the order mentioned above: Crushed Peppermint, White Bark, Semi Sweet Chips. Other variations, like trying the semi sweet chips first, did not produce the same result.
**Let the final layer set extra long if you can. It will make peeling the treat from the silicone that much easier.
**If you want to make more at one time, invest in 2 or more ice cube molds
**You can use only the white or semi sweet chocolate if you choose. I think adding both adds a bit of interest.
peppermintbarktrees5
Michelle Sybert
Muffin Tin Mom
Tags: , , , , , ,