22 Comments

I got some funny looks in the doctor’s waiting room when I laughed out loud at this. Candy canes. Yet another thing we Brits don’t really have access to. Bummer! I want to stage a Great British Bark-Off 😂

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I’m in!

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all i can say is double yum ~ but also a question: i’ve always had difficulties melting white chocolate chips as compared to white chocolate bars 🤷‍♀️ i’m assuming it’s a different melting point but if you have other ideas...

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Ha! I’m a candy eating expert but candy making pro? Not so much. I guess white chocolate chips contain stabilizers to keep the chip a chip, so they just don’t melt as smoothly as a bar does. Supposedly, you can swap one for the other in an equal ratio. I hereby nominate you to test this theory.

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i except the challenge ~ in the past i’ve always made a pure white peppermint bark, but this year i shall experiment and let you know 🥰

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Pics from process to finished product are mandatory

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Dec 12, 2023Liked by Amie McGraham

What a fun holiday memory and thank you for the bonus issue. It’s fabulous! Couple of recipes I’m going or have to try 💕

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This is endlessly delightful. It has everything, history, nostalgia, family rivalry, humor, delicious holiday candy recipes...I always enjoy these letters, but this one was especially charming!

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Family rivalry...let the games begin!👩‍🍳

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I see I will have to have my own bark-off contest and invite the neighbors over to decide! The story, recipes, memories--all of it are so much fun, Amie! You and your mother are the gifts that keep on giving!💝

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I think we need a fruitcake bake-off!

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Now there’s an idea! Red vs green cherries, bourbon vs rum...

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What a great story and so thrilled to get both recipes for bark! :) I've been wondering if I could make my own...do I try it? Thank you for the inspiration and courage. Your mom is a delight and full of wit! I love her and you. Thank you Amie.

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Yes! Try it and if it doesn’t turn out right, so what? I’ve had my share of cooking fiascos this year for sure. I always learn something from them at least.

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Thank you Amie! I'm learning to have that attitude more and more. Try, see, and learn...thanks again.

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What a special memory. I never temper my chocolate either. Thanks for the candy-making inspiration, Amie!

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Dec 12, 2023Liked by Amie McGraham

Well, from my perspective, you sure buried the lede, here! 🤣 From the email, I fully expected to meet you and your mom, and even the Spangler Candy company…. But the star of the show (again from my very personal perspective) is my mother, and her diplomacy! Happy Christmas, cousin Amie!

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She’s a keeper, our Gloria! Thanks for reading.

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Your work makes me happy! It took me a while to get round to reading this, but I found it at the perfect time! Thanks for sharing these gems!

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Thanks for the recipes, Amie! Love the term “ bark-off” and I see you’ve enticed Ruth to do a fruitcake bake off, love it!

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Such a beautiful, funny, evocative post, Amie!

I suppose the closest we have over here to candy canes (although I have seen imported ones lately) is seaside rock - but that's not peppermint flavoured. It's a foot-long thick cylinder of pulled sugar whose only possibly-considered-as-desirable feature is that it has the name of the seaside resort written all the way through it.

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