I honestly love this time of year. It’s a time to share, give, and do what I love – creating tasty treats for others. Each year I pull out many of my favorite, archived recipes and always manage to add a few new ones that have quickly become family favorites.
Bark is an essential “holiday must have” mainly because it is quick and easy, while being versatile at the same time. The key to good bark is tempering your chocolate. I am fortunate to have this tempering machine, but if you don’t have one, follow these instructions for full proof tempering.
Different combos make a good bark. Lately, I like toasted, raw almonds, cocoa nibs, and Celtic sea salt. Another great combo (especially for this time of year) is dried apricots, pistachio nuts, white chocolate chunks. Crushed candy canes are another household favorite. The best way to make bark is on a silpat pad. If you don’t have one, use parchment. Place all of your flavors (nuts, dried fruit, etc) on to your cookie sheet lined with either a silpat or parchment and once chocolate is tempered, pour chocolate over your ingredients. If dusting with some sort of salt, wait a few minutes for it to set slightly and then sprinkle with your salt of choice. Let set completely before breaking into “bark”.
If bark is not your thing, I am sharing many of my favorite homemade holiday gifts that I have created through out the years. Happy Creating!
Vegan Date-Chocolate Nut Truffles
Fruit Crumble in Individual Jars
Packaging is Key. Here is my list of resources and where to get the best of the best:
Paper Mart
Ribbons
Bags
Nashville Wraps
Boxes
Ribbons
Specialty Bottle Company
Glass Jars and Bottles
Tin Cannisters
Small Containers
Amazon
Weck Jars
Ball Jars
Japanese Washi Tape
Fancy Fleurs
Colored Wax Paper
Muffin Cups
All Baking Needs