holiday

Peppermint Bark Recipe

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Peppermint bark is one of those seasonal confections that looks really impressive and makes a great gift, but is actually really easy to prepare.

I make a batch every year and every year it’s a bit different. For our Holiday Sweater party this weekend, I used a new recipe that layers a chocolate ganache between white chocolate for a softer bite. It feels very festive and who doesn’t like chocolate and peppermint?!

It turned out really well.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 package white chocolate chips
  • 1 package semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (I like it really pepperminty, but you could skip this or add less to taste!)
  • 5 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup crushed candy canes
  • parchment paper

I crush the candy canes in our food processor because it’s easy, but you can also put them in a ziplock and use a rolling pin!

  1. Melt half of the white chocolate chips in the microwave (on 50% power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well in between) or on a double boiler. I used a small saucepan in a large saucepan with simmering water.
  2. Once white chocolate is smooth, spread in a thin layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. I ended up with about a 12 inch by 8 inch rectangle. You want it to be thin and somewhat even.
  3. Sprinkle about 1/4 of your candy canes over the warm chocolate and transfer to the freezer.
  4. Melt all of the semisweet chocolate, the cream, and the peppermint extract in a double boiler. This will make a softer ganache.
  5. Let it cool until it’s just barely luke warm, then spread it over the frozen white chocolate/candy cane layer. The best way to do this is to work quickly so the ganache doesn’t melt the white chocolate. Pour it in ribbons and then spread. This layer will be thicker and softer.
  6. Return to the freezer.
  7. Melt the remaining white chocolate chips and spread over the ganache layer. Again, work quickly, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect! It’ll still look and taste great if the chocolates swirl together a bit.
  8. Top with remaining candy canes.
  9. Return the whole thing to the freezer and let it get nice and chilled.

You can use a knife to cut the bark, or just break it into bite-sized pieces for a more rustic look.

 

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Holiday Beauty Sets

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Ok yes, it’s insane that “holiday” sets are being announced (and even released!) in September.

 

But that doesn’t mean we can’t wishlist the crap of them. Holiday Beauty sets have some of the coolest limited edition shades and products, usually at an incredible value. Here are my picks (so far) for this year!

First, these Guerlain Snowflake Meteorites:

 

Guerlain
Meteorites Perles des Neiges – $80

OMG if that’s not the most perfect winter makeup ever. Serious lust for this one. These Guerlain perles are a classic, if a little difficult to use. I think this would be the most amazing setting/finishing powder for cold weather – slightly shimmery, a bit of glow, like you’ve been out for a walk in the snow. So gorgeous.

Then, the Marc Jacobs eyeshadow palette of your dreams:

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Marc Jacobs Beauty
Style Eye-Con No. 20 – Plush Eyeshadow – $99

It’s no secret I love the MJB eyeshadow formula, and this is a great value. The colors here seem a bit random (and every one of the top row is going to look exactly the same on my skin) but there’s a good variety in here in terms of colors and finishes. The price is steep but it looks like the perfect palette for traveling since you have a million different looks all in one palette (and it looks like maybe a GIANT mirror).

 

Next, this lust-worthy Laura Mercier Bronzer Trio:

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Laura Mercier
Blush & Glow Radiant Face Trio – $58

A “matte” highlight and bronzer and a shimmery bronzer AND a travel brush?!?!??! Also, I say “matte” because Laura Mercier says “matte” but there is some obvious, if subtle shimmer in these. Which is fine by me but if you’re looking for a true matte bronzer, this isn’t it. Also I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tortoise packaging. Major heart eye emoji for this baby.

 

 

Also, this Bite Beauty Lip Set for every lip occasion ever:

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Bite Beauty
Discovery Set – $55

So much variety here! The Agave Lip Mask is one of my favorites and I wore the lipstick shade from this set (Pepper) at my wedding. It’s a perfect my-lips-but-better shade for me, so a backup is always welcome. I’m fascinated by the lip wipes and the clear primer. I feel like I’d use everything in this set which isn’t super common when it comes to block busters like these.

 

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and Blush motherlode:

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Hourglass
Ambient Lighting Edit – $80

I’m actually not sure about this. All of these products are lovely but I’m not sure I’d want them all in the same palette. You’re going to use up the setting powders way faster than the blushes and bronzer, but this would make a great travel kit. The packaging is gorgeous and like I said, all of these products are hits in my book. Regardless, I’m happy to see more blush palettes popping up!

 

And finally, this Peter Thomas Roth trio of adorable mascaras:

 

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Peter Thomas Roth
Lashes To Die For™ Mascara Trio – $45

This mascara is actually amazing. I’ve used a few tubes of it over the years and am always pleased with the results. It may or may not actually make your lashes longer and stronger, but it’s a great mascara in general. Thick and lush lashes without clumping! A trio of smaller sizes is actually genius because you’ll never use up a whole tube before it expires or dries out. This way you can keep two sealed and pristine while you fall in love with the first one. Love it.

 

 

 

Do you have your eye on any limited edition products for holiday? I’m dying to see what comes out as part of the Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani collab.

 

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