Sweet and Salty Halloween Bark

You can't go wrong with chocolate {or any type of candy really} this time of year. The spirits of ghosts and goblins may be in the air. But, truth be told ... sweets are on our minds. {What parent doesn't look forward to raiding those Trick-or-Treat buckets after the kiddos' bedtime on the night of October thirty-first?} As if we didn't get enough sugar this month, I give you Sweet and Salty Halloween Bark.

My kiddos and I love making different types of bark for different seasons. Besides the fact that it's a simple enough of a "recipe," barks are just so darn fun to make and they really allow for an abundance of creativity. What you include is pretty much up to you. It's a very adaptable, customizable recipe. By starting with a base of melted bittersweet/semi-sweet chocolate, you create a foundation for whatever candy, nuts, dried fruit, sprinkles, etc. that suit your fancy.

NOTE: I highly recommend some sort of pretzels or salted nuts to create that ideal sweet and salty combination. The salty component really counteracts the amount of sweetness present. Furthermore, some coarse salt can be sprinkled on top of the melted chocolate, if desired, to really drive home the salty flavor.


Ingredients:

3 cups bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 2 cups assorted toppings of your choice {suggestions: mini pretzels, candy corn, Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyeballs, mini chocolate peanut butter cups OR other candy, candy bars, dried fruit and/or nuts of your choice}

Directions:

Have all topping ingredients ready before melting chocolate as melted chocolate will cool quickly.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Melt chocolate chips in either a double boiler on the stove top or melt in microwave in a medium bowl until smooth. {In the microwave, heat for 20 - 30 second intervals - stirring between each interval - until smooth and warm.}

Pour melted chocolate onto parchment paper. Working quickly, spread into an even layer - about 1/4-inch thick.

Top with toppings of your choice.

Place in refrigerator for 30 - 40 minutes or until chocolate is hard and set.

Cut into shapes and sizes of your choice.

Store in an air-tight container in a very cool place if not serving immediately. {Storage in refrigerator is recommended.}



Recipe inspired by Just A Taste.

RELATED POSTS