naughty and nice christmas bark

The countdown is on with less than 2 days to go until the big day.  I've been intent on living this Advent season different than my typical frenzied Advent history and our recent change in me being home more has helped for sure.  We've also politely declined an event here or there to avoid cramming the family schedule to being in a mad rush to get from one thing to the next with over tired and over stimulated small children.  Sometimes the season is felt in the spaces in between.

I have a few last minute things to take care of but thankfully nothing that has me thinking "I'm never going to get this done." It's clear to me now that none of that frenzy was important or even necessary when I think back to previous years when I felt an insanely hectic pace.  Didn't Christmas arrive on the 25th anyway? And didn't we enjoy the day with family regardless of some small detail not going as planned?

I bring you this super quick recipe in the event you find yourself wanting to put something homemade together for gifts or the dessert table, but you're feeling squeezed on time...and maybe energy.  This recipe can be creatively modified countless different ways and it comes together in minutes.  Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients
-1 package dark chocolate chips
-1 package milk chocolate chips
-1 package white chocolate chips
-Toppings such as dried cranberries, pistachios, coarse sea salt.  Other options include goji berries, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, dried cherries, almonds, unsweetened coconut.
-Toppings such as festive M&Ms, candy canes, peppermints, peanut butter cups, coconut, peppermint patties or other candy bars.

Directions
Prepare two cookies sheets with parchment paper.  Melt the dark chocolate chips and spread on the parchment paper of one tray.  Top with crushed toppings such as the cranberries, pistachios, sea salt etc. for the "nice" Christmas bark."  Place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes to set.

Melt the milk chocolate chips and spread on the other lined cookie sheet.  Place in the freezer to set for 15 minutes.  Melt the white chocolate chips and spread over top of the set milk chocolate chips and sprinkle the chopped more indulgent goodies such as peppermints, M&Ms, peanut butter cups etc. on the white chocolate.  Return to the freezer to set for 30-60 minutes.

Once set, remove the trays from the freezer, chop up the bark and dazzle the dessert/snack table or place in tins or mason jars for small sweet treat gifts.  You know your peeps! Maybe you've got a friend who is more naughty than nice or put both versions of the bark in your gift container for options!

Enjoy these couple of days my friends! I know this time of year can be tough for many and for many different reasons, but please know that I'm praying for you all and wish you a Merry Christmas!