Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Peppermint Brittle

Peppermint is one of the flavors and scents I associate with this holiday season.  I don't have the confectioner's gift of candy making and debated whether or not to post this as this recipe is so simple, but it's one of those that simply wins your heart if you like white chocolate and peppermint.  Two ingredients, and you have a delightful confection in a matter of minutes.  Ole Sweetie Pi's eldest daughter Erin has declared this  is "to die for" and even Ole Sweetie-Pi, who's not much of a sweets eater, can't seem to stay out of this candy dish.

Peppermint Brittle
from Allrecipes.com

2 pounds white chocolate (I used white chocolate chips)
30 small peppermint candy canes

Line a large jelly roll pan with tin foil, set aside.

Unwrap the candy canes and, in batches, put them inside a zip lock bag.  Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or other similar heavy object, give the candy canes a good smack, breaking them into small pieces, but not into dust.

Melt the white chocolate.  There are a couple of methods.  One is to put the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl, and on medium heat, heat them for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Personally, I have better luck jimmying up a double boiler a pot filled with simmering (but not boiling) water, with a pyrex-type bowl set so that the rimmed lip of the bowl is over the edge of the pan.  (The bowl is not resting inside the pot of hot water; it is above the water.)  Stir until the chocolate is mostly melted, remove from the heat source and continue stirring until all the chips are melted and the chocolate is smooth. Take care not to allow any water inside the chocolate, or the chocolate will seize, become quite disagreeable, and you will have to start over again.

This starts to set up pretty fast, so working quickly, mix in the broken candy canes into the white chocolate and give it all a good stir to combine.  Pour the mixture onto the tin-foiled lined cookie sheet and spread in an even layer.  Let cool in the refrigerator, maybe an hour or so.  When thoroughly cool, remove the pan from the fridge and give the pan a sharp smack on the counter to break up the candy.    I use a knife and try cutting it into regular sized pieces, which doesn't exactly work,  but I find that I don't get as many itty bitty irregular pieces.



48 comments:

  1. Simple is sometimes the best! This looks delicious and so festive.

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  2. I've had this before and loved it, but didn't realize it was so simple to make!!! Thanks so much for posting it Katy. Christmas candy can be simple and easy :)

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  3. This is beautiful and simple. Looks so yummy~~can I come over now?

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  4. I'll leave the latch hook unlocked and the porch light on for you, Anncoo!

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  5. I made this last year and planning to do more this year...soooo good. I love peppermint at Christmas too! I took a lot of it in little bags to the nurses and aids at the nursing home where my MIL is...they devoured it!!

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  6. This looks soooo pretty! Bet it tastes even better!

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  7. I've never made it, but we're definitely fans over here! There's something about that peppermint crunch paired the the white chocolate that is just SO good! I might have to add this to my list for next year now that I know that it's so simple. Thanks, Katy!

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  8. So festive and so delicious Katy! Thanks for all the tips. This would be a big hit in my house!

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  9. This is so simple and yet so..so attractive, no wonder your sweety pie and his daughter liked it.

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  10. I think this sounds absolutely great. Thanks.

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  11. They look so festive, bright and attractive!

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  12. Brittle sounds great and cute.....

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  13. I'm so glad you posted this!! I love these easy to follow steps with just 2 ingredients!!! I have tried candy making in different forms and it came out just awful. I don't have the knack for it at all..however I know I can do this! Thank you Katy!!!!

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  14. Never tasted these...looks super cute and very aromatic...

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  15. Peppermint is Mr. Mimi's favorite flavor. I need to make this for him.
    Mimi

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  16. Looks like Christmas on a plate. My sister loves these-maybe I'll make them when she visits me this weekend.

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  17. I love the white chocolate and peppermint together. What a nice recipe for the holidays. I think my kids would have fun making this with me.

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  18. Sounds wonderful Katy. You always have great recipes.

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  19. I'm not a huge candymaker - I love the simplicity of this - and how pretty it is. Chocolate and peppermint sing Christmas to me.(Have had the chcolate seize up on me when not being careful. Live and learn - but you made me laugh!)

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  20. Wow..this is so pretty and simple too! Great recipe Katy.

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  21. I LOVE peppermint brittle but I've never made it. It's just so Christmasy and delicious!

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  22. Katy, I think so too! This just sings "holiday" to me.

    It looks divine, and I would love to make a batch. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

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  23. I have been on a serious white chocolate kick lately. Not sure where this craving is coming from...but i'm pretty sure fantastic recipes like this aren't helping! This looks delicious. I love brittles/barks. We should have them more often... not just during the holidays.

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  24. This is one of those recipes that I LOVE and can not make because I will eat it all. Absolutely no control when it comes to mintish desserts. Having siad that, I still would make them ebcause maybe I can let go of them and give them away.

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  25. I love recipes with mint. This looks so delicious Katy and I bet would be wonderful with any Christmas cookie tray! Love it!!!!

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  26. I am packing gift boxes with homemade goodies and was running out of ideas and this sure saved my day. Absolute delicious and got to try it out.

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  27. Wow! This is a simple and elegant way to either give as a gift or to adorn the holiday buffet table. I am saving this recipe. Thanks.

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  28. Very new to me....looks yum.....i too used same background and took pics today.....what a coincidence....

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  29. I didn't know peppermint bark was this easy to make. I just love this during the holidays!

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  30. I have decided to make all new things for my baked goods tray this year...and this one is definitely on my list! Simple and mouthwatering...love peppermint...but usually only this time of year...unless it's in ice cream, then anytime is great! Sorry, rambling. Looks great :D

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  31. Now isn't this the most festive picture I've seen in a long while! I am loving it girl! I have been away from visiting my dear friends here tooooo long....but I can see you have been busy too. I must scoot over to the reperatory and see what is up!

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  32. Katy your are so right, this is stuff is wonderful!! We make it every year. Now you have me wanting it now!

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  33. Hi Katy, your festive goodies look awesome! I love the colour combo.. really attractive. Hope you've a great weekend and enjoy the festive season! Cheers.

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  34. I've never really attempted to make candy, but this looks so simple and delicious! My goal today is to make a few different things with my son, so this is most definitely going to have to go on my list, as well!

    Thank you for the very kind words you left on my blog--it was much appreciated! Regarding that casserole...I am not a huge fan of anything too spicy, so this was a great compromise! It calls for the spicy chili beans, but I honestly don't remember noticing an overpowering "spicy" flavor.

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  35. Mmmm... that looks so good! When I was little, I would drop a piece in my hot cocoa. It made it minty, creamy delicious. :)

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  36. This would be a gorgeous addition to any cookie tray.

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  37. Love this! I was playing around with peppermint (candy canes) and did a fudge recipe - but this is so much prettier!

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  38. This sounds so easy and delicious! I doubt I'd be able to leave it alone either!

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  39. I love both peppermint & white chocolate - what a great holiday treat!

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  40. It's beautiful, and I know how addictive it is! The dish is gorgeous!

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  41. Yours looks so festive, Katy!! :) I don't bake much, but I do love to make candy - and the simpler the better!

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  42. These look great. A beautiful addition to any display..... These are truly in the spirit of the holidays.

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  43. I say the same thing as Chaya the Comfy Cook.

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  44. This is one of those desserts that I just should not make because I will eat the whole thing. Delicious.

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  45. Hi Katy, hope you had a great Christmas. Thanks for the comments.

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  46. Sounds like a great combination... :)

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