Houstonist No-Bakes: Christmas Goodies

Okay, okay - this is a no-bake, not from a "box", as creative as you want to be, addition to your holiday party, goody swap or gift. After all, it's not about buying up all the gift cards at the convenience store on the corner - it's the thought that really counts. Also, these are great additions to little treat bag/thank you gifts for your holiday guests. What is it? Chocolate Bark creations!!! Very easy, very elegant and very delicious.

Peppermint Chocolate Bark

12 oz. of your favorite chocolate (we love dark or bittersweet, but, that's us - white chocolate and peppermint is very festive looking!), either chips or grate a large bar (like 12 - 16 oz.)
1 1/2 cups crushed peppermint (sticks work better than restaurant mints - yeah, we were walking out right behind you!!)

Melt the chocolate in a double-boiler, or microwave (high for 2 - 2 1/2 mins) and pour onto a jellyroll pan (or cookie sheet), which has been lined with waxed paper. Spread into a rectangle, making sure the chocolate stays somewhat thick (1/4 inch, or so - enough to hold the goods). Sprinkle with crushed peppermint, lightly pressing to ensure your bark holds.

Fruit and Nut Bark

Substitute any variation of your favorite roasted nuts and dried fruits, if you are using larger dried fruits, like apricots, simply quarter them. A wonderful christmas combination would be dried cranberries and pistachios. You can add some crushed pretzel for added crunch. Follow the same directions, as above. Cashew and dried apricot is lovely, we think.

Warm Spiced Bark

Add 1/8th teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a couple of quick grates of fresh nutmeg (or 1/8th teaspoon of ground nutmeg) to the melted chocolate, blending in well. Then, sprinkle the bark with some pepitas or dried apricots (we like the combination).

Once you have created each or any type you desire (and, really, it's entirely up to you as to what you adorn your bark with) refridgerate until set and break into chunks. Package as you wish or just dig right in.