The bark and the bite(s)

/
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Mint.

One day, Mint met a girl named Chocolate.

He was a boy, she was a girl...can I make it any more obvious? (Thanks, Avril).

They fell in love and got married.

The world has been a better place ever since.

The end.

Do you understand the moral of this half-baked fairy tale? Let me make it as clear as possible to you:

mint + chocolate = perfection

And one of the reasons Christmas time is the best is because it is during this festive season that mint and chocolate come together to create one of their finest accomplishments: peppermint bark.

Hi, my name's Katie and I'm a peppermint barkaholic.

It started with Williams Sonoma peppermint bark several years back. Mm mm good.

However, this goodness comes with a price...a price that is right around $20 per tin.

Bummer, dude.

I've tried making peppermint bark. Believe me, I've tried. It's all right, edible and all, but just not as good. Not as good.

BUT this year...I have discovered two - yes, TWO - acceptable alternatives that do not - do NOT - cost $20.

Presenting:




No, neither one is the Williams Sonoma stuff...but they are both chocolaty, minty, and downright yummy.

If you're like me, and peppermint and chocolate rocks your world, try these. I predict that you will like them.

And if you don't like them, e-mail me and I'll send you my address so you can send me the leftovers.

Also, P.S. and Furthermore

/
It's my birthday on Sunday. Woot!

I've already decided that I would like to celebrate the birth of myself by making myself these cookie bar things:


Yes, these are the cookie bar things I blogged about like, a year ago.

No, I haven't made them yet.

Yes, I have been dreaming about them ever since.

No, that's not exactly true.

Yes, it is.

No, I haven't had the time, motivation, or perfect occasion for which to make them.

Yes, I am determined to make them this weekend.

No, I'm not sharing.

Yes, I really do think you're actually asking me all of these questions.

No, I don't mind.

Have a lovely day! Make yourself a treat you've been wanting to make for a while. Just deciding to do so will fill you with joy. And then actually doing so will fill you with more joy. And a yummy treat.

1st Amendment: I will absolutely share. These things are freaking delicious...but only 2 or 3 bites will do you in. Seriously.