Easy Peppermint Bark (via Simply Sweet Life)

I've never eaten peppermint bark before, but it's everywhere this year. Or maybe I'm just noticing it more because of the gateway drug that is Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's.

And I was very intrigued by Simply Sweet Life's "Easy Peppermint Bark" recipe -- emphasis on "easy." And it was soo very easy. The only thing I'd warn about is making a mess when crushing the candy canes and the finished bark. It was therapeutic, though. But if I'd planned better, I would have had a heavy-duty plastic bag or three on hand to contain the flying bits.

No matter what, it came out so much better than expected, and I can't wait to make more.

Thank you, Alice, for an amazingly easy and beautiful holiday treat to give away (or to keep). (Photo taken with iPhone.)

Office Party: Goat Cheese & Sun-dried Tomato Tart

For this year's office holiday party, I made this Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato Tart. It's a modified version of Martha Stewart's Everyday Foods recipe for a Mushroom Tart. The basic instructions for baking are the same, but I used sliced cremini mushrooms, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for the topping.

Sadly, I overcooked it a bit, but it was still OK. Better than expected, actually. But next time, I'll add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh basil after the tart has cooked. That way, the color and flavor will be more vibrant.

TJ's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's

Quick note on a delicious find: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's. They're like a Girl Scout Thin Mint on steroids -- in the best possible way. These cookies are more like towers of chocolate and mint -- almost like mini cakes. Enjoy them while they last. Just another reason to love Trader Joe's.