H-ahhhhhhh-lidays!!!!!!!!!

It's this time of year that I run around screaming "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!"


I know, I am a three year old :) I LOVE the holidays and I'm going to keep it that way!


I honestly love just about everything about the holiday season. The food and the family are my favorite parts. Some people get distracted and stressed by the gift giving, especially on a budget. I really think it's unneccessary. The Regas have been on a very tight budget for the past few years and we still manage to enjoy ourselves. It's all about budgeting and knowing your limits. I am someone who wants to give something to everyone so I figured out a way to do that.....CHRISTMAS BARK!!!!!!! Greatest way to get in the holiday spirit even if you aren't a baker, and believe me, I'm not a baker. You can get kind of creative or keep it simple, either way it gets scarfed down by your loving recipient just the same! It keeps well in the fridge though honestly it never seems to stick around long!


I'll list some of the faves below I'll even sketch out some instructions, but they'll be short and sweet, and best followed whilst licking the spoon covered in melted chocolate :)


S'mores Bark: teddy grahams, mini marshmallows, milk chocolate 
Peppermint Bark: crushed candy canes, white chocolate drizzle w. peppermint extract, milk chocolate
Oreo Bark: mini oreos, white or milk chocolate
Toasted Almond Bark: toasted slivered almonds, dark chocolate
Cranberry & White Chocolate Bark: dried cranberries, white chocolate drizzle, milk chocolate
Peanut Butter Cup Bark: mini reese's pb cups, milk chocolate


Basic Instructions
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups toppings of your choice

Place 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until just melted. Be sure to stir well after each 30-second interval. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips until all chips are melted and chocolate is smooth. At this point I like to stir in some of the toppings so that they're fully incorporated. Pour chocolate mixture on baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or wax paper) and spread into a 1/2" layer. Sprinkle with remaining toppings. If you want to have an alternating color drizzle, melt the new chocolate in a different bowl, following the same procedure. Pour it into a ziploc bag and snip a tiny piece off the end. Now get creative!


Allow chocolate to cool and harden. I find it helps to stick it in the fridge. Just be sure that it's resting evenly to avoid uneven bark. Cut into pieces. I have tried breaking it but I find that it starts melting really fast! Just be sure to use a non-serrated knife so you don't leave teeth marks all over it.


Makes 40-50 bite-size pieces.


xo
H