12 Days of Goodies - Day 10: White Chocolate Bark

We're entering the candy zone today, but have no fear because this one is eeeeasy. I don't think chocolate bark gets enough attention - you can change it up in so many ways, and it's basically just melting chocolate, stirring in some add-ins, and spreading it on waxed paper . . . It doesn't get much easier than that! I originally saw this recipe here, but was a little concerned because I wasn't sure if I would like the orange extract that the recipe calls for. I almost left it out, but decided to just give it a try. I'm so glad I did because it is soooo good. It's one of my favorite recipes now!
The rice krispies add a nice crunch, and the golden raisins add just a little chewiness. The combination is killer. If you're not a fan of white chocolate, you could definitely substitute milk chocolate or semi-sweet - it would be like those chocolate oranges that you always see around Christmas-time (I love those things). I love raisins in my chocolate, but you can definitely leave them out if you don't, or substitute dried cherries or cranberries instead. I hope you give this recipe a try because I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Crunchy White Chocolate-Orange Bark
16 oz. white chocolate (I used chocolate chips, instead of the spendier chocolate bars)
1 tsp. orange extract
1/2 c. golden raisins
1 c. crisp rice cereal
1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
2. Stir orange extract and chocolate in a microwaveable bowl, and microwave on medium power for 30 second intervals, stirring after each 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Be extra careful with white chocolate so you don't overheat it because it will seize.
3. Stir in raising and cereal, and spread on waxed paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. Place in refrigerator to set chocolate.
4. Break pieces at irregular intervals with your hands or a knife - you can make them as large or small as you'd like, but a little goes a long way. You can also decorate with sprinkles or any other embellishments before putting in the fridge.

This is how mine looked before breaking it into pieces.

One delicious piece that may or may not have been eaten by me right after
this picture was taken . . . 

This candy is so easy to store, too - great for any small gifts you might be
giving this Christmas!

On a Side Note: We're celebrating our family Christmas today, and the boys are loving everything about it. Asher loved opening the presents and didn't really care about what was inside until they were all opened . . . then he loved them all. Aiden, on the other hand, just loved throwing each thing out of the boxes one at a time without looking at anything. He was just so excited that Asher, Mom, and Dad were excited. It's been really fun to start some of our own family traditions this year with both boys!

Looking at their new book together.

Happy about everything!

Asher using his new trampoline and lovin' it.