Fruit & Nut Chocolate Bark and Kids Christmas Bark - A Family Sunday Recipe

Chocolate bark is one of those classic Christmas treats that's easy to make, fun to decorate, and always popular with both kids and adults. When I was a child my grandmother loved Cadbury's Fruit & Nut bars. I couldn't understand why... raisins? Almonds? No, no, no! At most all you needed was krispie puffs in your chocolate bars! Now that I'm an adult I completely understand the allure of rich, roasted nuts and chewy sweet dried fruits. I just wish Grammie was still here to have some of my own homemade fruit and nut chocolate bark with me! Here are two versions sure to satisfy all generations around your holiday table.

Fruit & Nut Chocolate Bark
20 oz dark chocolate, melted
20 oz white chocolate, melted
1 cup cinnamon almonds, chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped

Melt the chocolates in separate double boilers. Toss together the chopped nuts and dried fruits. On a cookie sheet covered with a silpat or parchment paper spread the chocolate. Be sure to leave an inch of space on all side for easy removal. You can layer the chocolates or swirl them into a pattern as you choose. Spread the fruit and nut mixture on top and lightly press into the chocolate so it will stay firm when cooled. Place tray in refrigerator to firm up - at least two hours or overnight. Once chocolate is completely hard chop it into chunks and package in candy bags or a food-safe container to give as gifts. Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.... if it lasts that long without being eaten!

Kids Christmas Bark
20 oz milk chocolate, melted
20 oz white chocolate, melted
1/3 cup crushed peppermints or candy canes
1 cup holiday M&Ms

Follow the directions above for melting and spreading the chocolates. Kids love making designs so using a spoon show them how to drag lines of one color chocolate over another. Scatter the crushed peppermints and M&Ms over the top, again lightly press to set them in. Let cool two hours or overnight and chop into manageable pieces. Along with a homemade card and some pretty ribbon this is a nice gift for a child to give to his or her teacher, babysitter or grandparents.

Enjoy!

Check out all the Foodie Days of Christmas recipes and follow on Twitter with #foodieChristmas:
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Fruit & Nut Bark
M&M Peppermint Bark - a Family Sunday Recipe
Apple Cranberry Walnut Bread
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Gingerbread Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting