Peppermint Bark

Unsure of how to use all that peppermint I suggested you crush?  Consider making Peppermint Bark.  Today I purchased a 2.5 pound block of Ghirardelli White Chocolate at Sam's Club for $6.48.  Starlight mints or candy canes can be purchased else were for around $1.  Follow these simple instructions:

1. Crush peppermints or candy canes and set aside
2. Melt chocolate in microwave or double-boiler as per instructions on box (I prefer to work with no more than half the box at a time.)
3. Mix crushed peppermint with melted chocolate, stirring until well blended. 
4. Pour onto cookie sheets lined with wax paper.
5. Spread with the back of a spoon.
6. Allow to harden (this will take more than an hour), then break into bite-sized pieces.
7. Transfer into cello Christmas bags (available at the Dollar Tree in packages of 20 - 25).

How does this compare to a store-bought version?  Click HERE to view Amazon's Ghirardelli Squares Peppermint Bark.  The price is $14.85 for a 7.06 ounce bag.  The Squares are fancier, however I don't think this justifies the price difference.

Ghirardelli Squares = $33.60 per pound
Homemade Version = $2.71 per pound (I included the cost of the cello bags in this calculation.)

Note:  Feel free to use molds or lined bite-sized cupcake tins for a more polished look.  Also, consider having a layer of dark chocolate for a base.  (Available at Sam's club for the same price.)  These methods will take more time and may require an additional expense.  Do NOT make the candy more than 1/4" thick, it will become too hard to bite into.