Edible Gifts Kids Can Make: 4-Ingredient Chocolate Bark

I love the idea of kids making gifts for the holidays.  It's something we've been doing for years, and is a holiday to-do that we look forward to each season.

One of our favourite items to make is a simple chocolate bark.  Requiring nothing more than some melted chocolate topped with a few goodies, this is an edible gift that can be made by kids of any age.  

We started when the boys were two or three; I would melt the chocolate and they would choose no more than three toppings for their bark.  It's always been important to them that they made their own variety, so their bark is as unique as their own personality.

When making bark I try to keep the following in mind:

• Use the best chocolate you can afford.  It's the main component of your treat, and as such you want it to taste good.
• Keep the toppings simple, and to a minimum.  I like the rule of three, and I try to encourage each item to have a different texture and colour in order to create visual interest and to enhance the taste.
• Raid your pantry for toppings.  No special items required, unless you really want to purchase them. I've discovered that orange zest is a wonderful addition to bark, and something that I always have on hand.

What are you making for the holidays this year? Any edible gifts?  Are the kids getting involved?

 

Dried Cranberry and Pistachio White Chocolate Bark

• 16 oz white chocolate 
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pistachios, chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons grated orange zest

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over  a pot of boiling water (or in the microwave). Pour the chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and smooth out.  Cover with dried cranberries and pistachios and grate the orange zest evenly over the bark.

Allow to cool in the fridge, and once set break into pieces.

 

Comments

[The Orchard]

That's a great idea! This may seem like a "dumb" question, but how do you know which chocolate is good quality? Do you just buy it at a bulk food place? I am assuming that the higher the price, the better the chocolate?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tricia

[Ann]

Jan, this bark looks wonderful! Can't wait to try it. A friend and I get together every December and make peppermint bark, but it never occurred to me to raid the pantry and look for other toppings. I know I'll be making dried cherry/toasted almond/orange zest. I'll turn my super creative 10 yo son loose in the pantry and see what he comes up with.

[torviewtoronto]

delicious chocolate

[Jan Scott]

Hi Ann - Im glad you like it!  Peppermint bark sounds incredible.  If you think of it, let me know what 10 year old makes.  I bet it will be something awesome.

[Jan Scott]

Hi Tricia - Yep, usually the more expensive the chocolate the better the quality, but not always.  I really like the extra large chocolate bars that Presidents Choice makes.  I buy the dark chocolate and milk chocolate versions and melt them down.  I like Bakers brand white chocolate, and when my budget allows I also like to buy Callebaut, Valrhona and Ghirardelli.

[The Orchard]

Thanks for your input!