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 😂

Expand full comment

I’m in!

Expand full comment

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...

Expand full comment

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.

Expand full comment

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 🥰

Expand full comment

Pics from process to finished product are mandatory

Expand full comment

yes ma’am

Expand full comment

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 💕

Expand full comment

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!

Expand full comment

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

Expand full comment

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!💝

Expand full comment

I think we need a fruitcake bake-off!

Expand full comment

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

Expand full comment

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.

Expand full comment

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.

Expand full comment

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

Expand full comment

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

Expand full comment

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!

Expand full comment

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

Expand full comment

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!

Expand full comment

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!

Expand full comment

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.

Expand full comment