It’s that time of year again.

Chilly weather, holiday music, Christmas lights and family bonding. And you can’t forget the one thing that brings us all together as people, food. Food is something that everyone can agree upon. Everyone shares their recipes and other cooking advice, bringing people closer together.

The holidays are times for treats and spending time with loved ones, and it’s even better when you combine both. One of my favorite things to do with my family around the holidays is to make chocolate bark.
Chocolate bark is one of the most delicious treats I have ever put in my mouth. It’s sweet and salty, and gives your tastebuds a sensation that no other food can. 

The other great thing about chocolate bark is that it is so fun to make. My favorite part is when the chocolate melts on top of the crackers and you get to swirl the white and dark chocolates together with a toothpick. It is so satisfying to watch the colors mix together and become one beautiful, tasty creation. 

As this bakes, it will fill your kitchen with a warm comforting aroma.

Now comes the fun part. Swirl the white and dark chocolate together in whatever way or pattern that floats your boat with a toothpick or a fork. A toothpick is the most advantageous option. I personally swirl them into a marble pattern with no rhyme or reason. 

Sprinkle the chocolate bark evenly with salt. This creates a hint of savory flavor that sets off the sweetness of this dessert. Chill until it is firm. Then you can break it into random sized chunks, giving this tasty treat its bark-like characteristics. 

This easy to make, delectable chocolate bark is always my favorite dessert during the holidays. I hope you have as much fun making it as I did. Let this treat be the highlight of your holiday season.

Ingredients 

3 bittersweet chocolate baking bars, 4 ounces each, broken into even squares

3 white chocolate baking bars, 4 ounces each, broken into even squares

Saltine crackers

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, can be substituted with kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Line a cookie tray with tin foil. Evenly fill the tray with one layer of saltines. 

Melt the brown sugar and butter, in the microwave or on the stove, until it is bubbly and the sugar is mostly dissolved. 

Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir, making sure not to heat up the vanilla extract. 

Pour the sugar mixture over the crackers and bake for five minutes. 

Take the tray out of the oven and lower the heat to 225 degrees. 

Place chocolate squares in a checkerboard pattern on top of the crackers and butter mixture, alternating between white and dark chocolate. The pieces of chocolate should be touching. 

Bake for another five minutes, or just until the chocolate has melted. Take the tray out of the oven and place it on a safe surface, such as a potholder or wire rack. 

Swirl the white and dark chocolate together with a toothpick or a fork

Sprinkle the chocolate bark evenly with salt. Chill until it is firm. 

Break into bark-like chunks. Serve.