TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN -Easy and Delicious Peppermint Bark

I'm always on the look-out for easy recipes that can serve as a thoughtful gift for teachers, neighbors and co-workers. And as usual, it seems I'm always pressed for time! Here's a tried-and-true, easy and delicious peppermint bark recipe. Put it in a pretty tin and you have a great last minute gift that anyone would love!  Make sure you make an extra batch for yourself...it's addictive!

Holiday Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels
• 24 hard peppermint candies

Directions

1. LINE baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. MICROWAVE morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.*
3. PLACE peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other heavy object. While holding strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.
4. SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature. 
*If you really like mint flavor, you can stir in a tsp. of peppermint extract to the morsels when melted.