Holiday Bark

My original plans for today's post was for a sumptuous crock pot beef stew that we had for dinner yesterday.  In fact, I was going to blog about this stew when we first had it two weeks ago.  So where is the post about this lovely stew?  Well... you see... you make it in the crock pot.  And when I start it I take some great pictures of how you want to slice the carrots, lightly brown the meat, layer it in the crock pot, that sort of thing.  And by the time we eat dinner I am so rushed I don't even think about snapping a picture of the finished product.  Shame on me.  So, instead, you'll have to suffer by looking at pictures of more sweets: Holiday Bark.

As I told you in my last post, I made my family choose one item they'd like me to make for Christmas treats this year.  And since we seem to be on a roll with these, I guess I'll have to keep it up and blog about Horse Lover's Christmas goody request tomorrow.  Trust me - be excited.

I've been making this Holiday Bark for almost 10 years now.  Do you remember the old commercials for (I think) Rice Krispie treats where the mom stirs up this easy recipe, hangs out in the kitchen for a while, then pats some flour on her face and walks out with the plate of treats into the other room where her family is waiting?  Then they'd all think she slaved over this super-easy dessert and shower her with gratitude and affection.  That's kind of how I feel when I make these.  They are SO easy.

The original recipe I had for this came from a church activity where I received a printed booklet with favorite holiday recipes in it.  The ratio of pretzels to Almond Bark was a little low for me - I like more pretzel and less candy coating.  If you are one of those that prefer the sickeningly sweet variety, however, feel free to use less pretzels in the recipe.




Holiday Bark

24 oz. Almond Bark vanilla candy coating
12 oz. small pretzel twists
1 c. red & green M&M's

Break up Almond Bark and put in microwavable bowl.  Microwave for about 1 minute and stir.  Microwave for about another 90 seconds or until almond bark is completely melted, stirring every 30 seconds to check on it and prevent overcooking.

Once almond bark is melted, pour in pretzels.  Stir until evenly coated.

Add 1 c. M&M's and stir just until mixed evenly.  Do not  over-stir once you've added the M&M's or the colors will start to run.

Spread mixture out on wax paper to cool.

Once the candy coating has set (for me this it usually done after an hour) break into smaller pieces for serving.