Peppermint barks

As we all leave 2017 behind and move ahead into 2018 , let's hope for kindness and compassion for each other . So on that note I decided to start with a dessert bringing in the much needed sweetness for this year :)

This is a very easy recipe the only tricky part is melting the chocolate , using a double boiler is a reliable method just make sure that the chocolate is constantly stirred usually takes a few minutes ,

What u need  :

White cooking chocolate - 12 oz 

Dark cooking chocolate - 12 oz 

Peppermint sticks - crushed 

1. Line a 9x12 pan with parchment paper.Melt the dark chocolate (use the method you prefer, either double boiler, or microwave - cook 30 seconds in a heat-proof bowl, stir and repeat until you have a smooth consistency.
2. Pour the melted dark chocolate on the parchment paper, spread the chocolate out until it is about 1/3" thick. You can do this by hitting the pan on the counter top repeatedly, or maybe you could use a spatula to spread the chocolate.
3. Melt the white chocolate, using the steps above. After the chocolate is smooth, pour it on top of the dark chocolate - trying to make the layers the same thickness.
4. 
5. Unwrap the peppermints of your choice and put them into a zip lock bag, crush the mints then, while the white chocolate is still melted sprinkle on top. 
6. 
   
   
7. Let the chocolates harden in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then break the candy into pieces. Njoy !

Merry christmas 2017

1. "A little smile, a word of cheer, a bit of love from someone near, a little gift from one held dear, 
2. best wishes for the coming year".

Cranberry coconut bars

• This holiday season as the weather is getting colder and the shimmering  lights in the night are getting brighter.
• There's no better way than indulge in the blissful season other then baking and get in the joyful holiday spirit , so as I dust off the flour all over me and as my home starts to smells like fresh baked cookies :) here's  a new delight called Cranberry coconut bars, the recipe used  was from the blog Belle of the kitchen .
• This is  recipe I used from the link If you wish to follow the recipe 
•  https://belleofthekitchen.com/2015/12/11/cranberry-bliss-bars-starbucks-copycat
• I did tweak it a little bit by not adding the topping or frosting but adding some sweetened coconut flakes towards the end instead .
• 
  
• Recipe:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes 
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15x10 or 13x9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Beat together melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, 1 tsp orange extract, and 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, beating until just blended. 
• Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries by hand. Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. 
• Add the coconut flakes towards the last few mins of baking gently spread the flakes on the top of the baked bar and bake for few more mins. Don't over bake or bars will be hard. 
• Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. 
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and Njoy !
• Wish you all a Merry Christmas ! 
•