There are two things I know for sure about the holidays. One, they’re not complete without sweets. And two, cavities are at the bottom of my Christmas wish list.
Because of the aforementioned, it only seems fitting that I share the perfect duo – a recipe for a fabulous no-bake sweet and a recipe for staying cavity free without fussing!
Can I get a virtual round of applause for Peppermint Bark and hello toothpaste!!!
I’m usually a cookie fiend around the holidays but Jemma came home from homeschool co-op the other week telling me that she had memorized a recipe for Peppermint Bark and WE HAD TO MAKE IT! She’s currently taking an Adventures in Christmas class and that girl is brimming with seasonal knowledge :) Technically she said we needed to make it for Christmas Eve, but I convinced her that we should do a trial run before leaving a few pieces out for Santa. I also took the opportunity to reinforce a little oral health reminder … eat sweets, brush happy! In other words, mama lets you enjoy holiday treats and then you make those pearly whites sparkle without cleaning.
Here’s her darling rendition of Peppermint Bark and the brush time confessions that help us all stay cavity free after nibbling on Christmas treats!
In case Jem’s lack of measurements threw you off, here’s the complete recipe …
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups of milk chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
DIRECTIONS
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium saucepan melt milk chocolate chips over low heat. Constantly stir with a spatula so your chocolate doesn’t burn. Yes, this is a real part of the instructions, burnt chocolate is no bueno! Pour melted chips onto the parchment paper and spread smooth; about 1/4 inch in height. Place cookie sheet into the freezer for 30-60 minutes.
Shortly before you take it out of the freezer, complete the same melting process with the white chocolate chips. Spread over the top of the milk chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. I actually found pre-crushed candy canes called peppermint bits in the baking aisle so if you’re not into the adventure of crushing candy canes, you can pre-buy bits like me :) Press the peppermint into the white chocolate with a piece of parchment paper before it completely hardens so it sets into the white chocolate. Put back into the freeze for another 30-60 minutes.
Remove and score with a knife, then break into pieces and ***crunch*** … as Jemma says, “Peppermint Bark is verrry yummy!”
As I mentioned, most important is what you do after you munch on Peppermint Bark … brush your teeth! Around here we are all smitten with hello’s line of naturally friendly oral health options. Sticking with the Peppermint theme I personally love Fresh Mint (made with mint straight from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, yay Pacific Northwest!) and Jemma has given two thumbs up for Blue Raspberry! Take a moment to read more about hello’s sourcing. Their care and attention to wellness make me love them all the more.
Whether you’re looking for a naturally friendly toothpaste, an opportunity to make your kids love brushing their teeth, or a stocking stuffer addition that’s practical, look no further than hello products! Browse the flavor selection here and find a local store that carries hello products near you under “shop” on the top right. Rest assured that when you choose hello you’re helping your family prevent cavities without unhealthy addictive.
Which flavor do you think your little Peppermint Bark monsters would like best? Nothing like a fabulous tasting toothpaste to entice them to brush well after enjoying holiday sweets, right?
Yummy peppermint bark! Thanks for the recipe from your class, Jemma! I’d never heard of that toothpaste. Sounds like something I should check out!!
Love peppermint bark and I’m going to have to try the bubblegum for my kids!
i really love peppermint bark, only for the holidays though.