or rather I love EASY holiday baking. So as lovely as the lady decorating the fancy Santa cookie above looks, I am not abut to attempt her culinary extravagance. I'd rather make super easy, and super delicious chocolate bark.
Theres a very simple formula to chocolate bark and once you have it down you can adapt it inline ways.
Basic Formula for Chocolate Bark
16 ounces semisweet, milk or white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp of flavoring extract such as vanilla, peppermint, or orange (optional)
1 cup to 1 1/2 cups stuff (dried cherries, dried apricots, pistachios, crystalized ginger, walnuts, pecans, crushed candy canes, pretzels, almonds, etc)
Line a baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper and get your chopped stuff ready.
Put a pot of water on the stove to simmer and dump the chocolate chips in a metal bowl. Place the bowl over the pot of simmering water and stir with a heat proof rubber spatula. Stir constantly and remove it the instant its all melted (alternatively you can use a glass bowl and do this very slowly and carefully in the microwave). Stir in the optional flavoring extract if using and immediately pour onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the stuff, pressing slightly to adhere. Refrigerate 1/2 to 1 hour and then break apart into chunks.
I used crushed candy canes and peppermint extract with dark chocolate for one bark and white chocolate with vanilla extract salted pistachios, dried cherries, and dried apricots for the other. This is absolutely the easiest candy to make and give and it keeps forever in the freezer.
I have never heard of chocolate bark but it sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteLynne x
Unfortunately, I am not much of a baker - worst baker ever. But I sure do love chocolate bark.
ReplyDeleteTasty.
ReplyDeleteSHE doesn't decorate anything that takes more time being decorated than being eaten. So it's easy recipes here! Happy Baking.
ReplyDeleteEvery Year I have a baking day with some of the granddaughters. this would be super easy and we could do while something else is baking
ReplyDeleteThanks!
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
We refer to chocolate as "medicine" since we read about the health benefits, so this sound perfect and easy.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is when I make tasty chocolate stuff like this, I eat too much of it! ..............In one sitting...........
ReplyDeleteMom said we might try this recipe wif little baby bean this weekend, we will send you a picture of the finished product...after we clean splatters off the ceiling...bahahahhah
ReplyDeletestella rose
So many yums!!! I love that you mentioned how easily it freezes, as nibbling on a wedge of bark straight from the freezer has long been my favourite way to enjoy it. I find a small piece lasts longer and gives you the illusion of more food, as you're working harder to get through the frozen chocolate and "mix ins".
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing some of your favourite takes on this classic holiday treat with us, dear Kate.
♥ Jessica
We saw an Elizabeth Arden ad like that recently
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
sounds yummy!
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
That looks about my speed. I was thinking about making Christmas cookies today and the thought just stressed me out :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get more into baking...
ReplyDeleteMmm that looks so yummy! And you plate is very pretty :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds delicious! :D
ReplyDeleteMmmm, that sounds really good! I was planning on making my mother some homemade chocolate gifts this year. I will have to add chocolate bark to the list!
ReplyDelete