December 31, 2015

Shopping Around the World and New Year's Eve

Today is Shopping Around the World hosted by Bacon from PigLove

Me and my pal Fozzie will be holding another Shopping Around the World scheduled for             Thursday, December 31st.
Do a posting on your blog linked back to mine.  That way we can keep track of all of the different prices and recipes.  I know this is going to be around Thanksgiving so mark your calendar so you can do a posting with us.
This month we have a suggestion from my cousin Sammy on highlighting cookies or other sweets for December.  Is there a special treat that you fix only around the Christmas holidays?  A certain cookie to share?  It does not have to be five items or less this month.  Share your recipe and picture of your sweet items.
One of Mom's favorite holiday treats is Peppermint bark.  Here's the recipe she uses:



17 ounces good-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt - Baker's isnt as fine but will do in a pinch), finely chopped
6 oz. candy canes, coarsely crushed - you can use 30 peppermint candies, but the taste is a bit different
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 -6 tablespoons whipping cream (the more you use the more "truffly" the center layer will be)
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Turn large baking sheet bottom side up. Cover securely with foil. Mark 12 x 9-inch rectangle on foil. Stir white chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) until chocolate is melted and smooth and candy thermometer registers 110°F. (chocolate will feel warm to touch). Remove from over water. Pour 2/3 cup melted white chocolate onto rectangle on foil. Using icing spatula, spread chocolate to fill rectangle. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup crushed peppermints. Chill until set, about 15 minutes. Stir bittersweet chocolate, cream and peppermint extract in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted and smooth. Cool to barely lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Pour bittersweet chocolate mixture in long lines over white chocolate rectangle. Using icing spatula, spread bittersweet chocolate in even layer. Refrigerate until very cold and firm, about 25 minutes.

Rewarm remaining white chocolate in bowl set over barely simmering water to 110°F. Working quickly, pour white chocolate over firm bittersweet chocolate layer; spread to cover. Immediately sprinkle with remaining crushed peppermints. Chill just until firm, about 20 minutes.

Lift foil with bark onto work surface; trim edges. Cut bark crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips. Using metal spatula, slide bark off foil and onto work surface. Cut each strip crosswise into 3 sections and each section diagonally into 2 triangles. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Chill in airtight container.) Let stand 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Makes 36 pieces.

White Chocolate $2.39/4 ounce bar

Candy Canes $1.29 for a box of 12

Bittersweet chocolate  $2.39/4 ounce bar

Whipping Cream  $3.59/ pint

Peppermint Extract  $3.59/ ounce


We hope you all have a safe and fun New Years Eve.....see you next year!!!  We'll be hanging out at the Tabby Cat Club New Years Eve party tonight...come join us!  There will be music 
and dancing and loads of great noms!




20 comments:

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I know you will have a fun New Year's Eve! Paws crossed that the humans have somewhere to go so Binga, Boodie and I can raid the catnip and party!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Happy New Years Eve to all of you! The peppermint bark looks very tasty.

My Mind's Eye said...

Raz, Mom has a bag of peppermint bark on my post today too. That stuff is the best
I love the dancing kitties!!
Hugs madi your gal

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Super Shopping...

Happy NEW YEAR to all of you.

Cats Herd You said...

You had us at heavy whipping cream!

Happy New Year to all of you!

Brian's Home Blog said...

That was fun shopping and Happy New Years Eve sweet friends!

The Swiss Cats said...

Yum yum ! Best wishes for 2016 and Happy Mew Year ! Purrs

The Whiskeratti said...

Happy New Year !!!

pilch92 said...

A Happy ans healthy 2016 to you all ( furs and non furs)!

Kitties Blue said...

Mom Sharon its so talented. Our mom also loves Peppermint Bark, but she just waits until after Christmas and orders it when it goes on sale at Williams-Sonoma. She's a lazy bum! Allie, did you get my message that Mom is going to dress us for the party at Cat Scouts tonight? Sending prayers to Dad Bill and oodles of love and kisses to you, Mau

Anonymous said...

Oh Meow dat sounds like a lot of work and a lot of chocolate. Mommy's never really liked those, but they do look nommy. Fanks fur sharin' and have a blest New year.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

da tabbies o trout towne said...

anda most happee healthee new yeer two ewe all, heerz two an emperor bream......hillstreet loach.....kinda week oh end !!! ♥♥♥

{ now we R gonna try yur momz candee recipee !!! have a grate time at de partee two nite N rememburr.....NOE BURD ~~~~~ }

Anonymous said...

OH YUMMMMMMY!!!!!!

Hugs and Happy New Year
Sammy

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Happy Mew Year's Eve!

The Island Cats said...

Since we can't have any of that candy, the mom says she'll make it all for herself. :)

Happy New Year's Eve! Remember to nip responsibly!

BeadedTail said...

Our mommy would love that peppermint bark too! Happy New Year to all of you!

wildcatwoods said...

Freinds we wish you a peaceful healthy 2016.

Clooney said...

That peppermint bark looks divine! May all your heart's desires come to you with ease and glory in 2016...Happy New Year!

Katiez Furry Mewz said...

oh meowzerz - am that ever yummy recipe!
Thanks fur sharing... the Mom love peppermints

Purring that you haz a purrific Mew Year full of love
and purrz...

Katie and the Katz.

please purr fur Guero, a sweet white kitty who am furry sick... more about him on our blog... -K

A Tonl said...

Lookit those kitties DANCE! Didja pawty hard tonight? MOL!!