Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Amazing Chocolate Praline Bark & Christmas Decor


I'm pretty excited to share with you with a recipe I just made last night!  It's soooo good!  Buttery like toffee, sugary like pralines and rich with chocolate....it's delicious and so easy to make!


I've made versions that are very similar to this --thanks to Shareen!-- but I just kind of winged this recipe with what I had and it turned out scrumptious! 

I was trying to make something to give to my husband to take to work today for his fellow med students.  I wanted to use ingredients that I had on hand, because it was a very cold, rainy night last night and I really didn't want to get back out to the grocery. I was just fine in my snuggly home that I do not take for granted!

 I wanted to make something that I don't usually make, but something incredible! 
This chocolate praline bark really fit the bill!   We were both surprised at how addicting these little things are.

I must say though, I made all of them to only eat 2 tiny pieces!  It was very bittersweet to give all of these yummies away, although I do LOVE baking for other!  Especially at Christmas-time!  
It's a time for giving.


These little goodies would be perfect gifts to package up!  Simple and easy with everyday ingredients.  You can really add whatever candy you want on top, but whatever you do you must use the pecans!  We both agreed that they not only make the house smell unbelievably cozy while baking, but they really make this candy over the top!!
I hope this chocolate praline bark gives you a new idea to add to your baking-palooza  this holiday season!

(Enjoyed my fire this morning, and isn't this little gingerbread tea pot adorable!?  I love him:)

Christmas-Time Chocolate Praline Bark

 1 sleeve graham crackers

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. brown sugar, packed well

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1 c. pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 c. white chocolate chips

2 squares chocolate "bark"/candy coating, chopped

1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.  Spray with cooking spray.

Lay out the graham crackers right next to each other on the sheet pan.

In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar together and bring it to a boil for 2 minutes.  Take off the heat; add vanilla.

Pour mixture over the graham crackers.  Spread with spoon if you need to reach all the corners.

Sprinkle pecans evenly all over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt chopped chocolate bark carefully. (I did it in the microwave).  I melted in 30 second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.  When bark is melted, add chocolate chips.  Stir until melted and heat a few more second in microwave if you need to.  Please remember chocolate burn easily.
(I did add a tiny smidgen of corn syrup here to give the chocolate a gloss. Optional.)

When the praline bark comes out of the oven, wait a few minutes, then sprinkle white chocolate chips all over and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Refrigerate to harden up faster.  Will only take about 30 minutes.

Break your yummy candy into shards to resemble bark.  Store tightly and enjoy!

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I wanted to share with you a bit more of my Christmas decor! I decorate my home to my taste...something that's cozy-classic with a bit of whimsy!




He's my very favorite little birdie!  Gotta love the hat!

I got these stockings last year at an antique&gift shop.  I thought they were cute!
The basket is for our Christmas cards we receive.












9 comments:

  1. Oh Leslie, what a precious little bird!! LOVE his hat! Your decorating taste is "right up my alley"!! Happy to be your newest follower!

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  2. First off that candy looks delicious and I will definitely be adding it to my baking palooza. Secondly, I love your cozy home and especially your fireplace. Have the merriest of Christmas seasons. Patty

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  3. Hi Leslie,
    You've got some great recipes here ... I looked through a few of them. Yummy! I love your little bird. Too cute! Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I'm now a follower.

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  4. I laughed out loud at that little birdie! He is bundled up for winter!

    blessings,

    karianne

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  5. Leslie, I adore your Christmas decor! You are right about that birdie. He is so sweet! Christmas is such a happy, cozy time of year. Like your new blog theme, too. Matches the feel of the season so well. :-)

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  6. Mmmm these look so good! And I lurve the lil birdie :)

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  7. Oh, that chocolate bark looks so delicious! I'll definitely have to make some. I love all your Christmas decorations especially that birdie with the hat! Sooooooo cute!

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  8. Yummm! Your house looks so cozy and welcoming and your goodies look delicious!

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  9. Your home is so cozy and beautiful. I can't wait to try this bark because it looks amazing.

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Thank you for sweetening my day with your cozy comments!