Sally's Three-Layer Peppermint Bark

I received this very pretty treat from my neighbor at Christmas. Even though Christmas is past, I'm posting it anyway so it will be here for next Christmas! I had to hound Sally for this recipe, poor thing. I'm sure she must have ducked out of sight every time she saw me first! Three layers makes these different from the usual bark and the taste is delicious. Sally emphasizes that GOOD quality white chocolate is essential. She uses the kind found in box like baking chocolate although it is a bit hard to find. You can use the round peppermints or candy canes in this recipe; do not crush too fine.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Yields: 48 pieces (about)

Ingredients

• 17  ounces  good quality white chocolate, finely chopped
• 6  ounces  peppermint candies, finely crushed but not pulverized (red & white striped)
• 7  ounces bittersweet chocolate or 7  ounces  semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 6  tablespoons heavy cream
• 3⁄4 teaspoon  peppermint extract

Directions

1. Turn a large baking sheet upside down and cover securely with foil. Mark out a 12x9-inch rectangle. Stir white chocolate in a metal bowl over barely simmering water (do NOT allow bowl to touch water) until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour 2/3 cup onto foil and spread to fill the 9x12" rectangle. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup crushed peppermints. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.
2. Stir bittersweet chocolate, cream, and extract over low heat until just melted and smooth; cool. Pour over white chocolate and spread to edges. Refrigerate until very firm, about 25 minutes.
3. Rewarm remaining white chocolate but don't get too hot. Quickly pour over bittersweet chocolate and spread to edges. Sprinkle with remaining peppermint pieces. Chill until firm. Lift foil off cookie sheet and trim edges of candy. Cut crosswise into strips, then slide strips off foil and onto cutting surface. Cut into triangles or any shape you desire.