Candy is always a big hit at Christmas, and even though many of us want to believe that we don’t really like candy, the truth of the matter it is we all do — especially if it is chocolate.

A couple of days ago we were in the kitchen and looking for something festive to make with our daughter for the upcomming holidays.  This great chocolate dessert recipe recipe was born.  Made from sweet milk chocolate and orange oil, it is set to perfection with tart dried cherries.  It is super easy to make and the kids will love helping you sprinkle the fruit and nuts, as well as licking the chocolate bowl!  The small amount of orange oil that is added to the chocolate keeps the chocolate soft and scrumptious.

This is a perfect and easy Christmas candy recipe to use for your unique holiday gifts, or just to serve as a Christmas dessert.

Milk Chocolate Orange Bark
with Dried Cherries and Apricots

Ingredients:

46 ounces milk chocolate chips (2 – 23 oz bags) 

3/4 cup roasted peanuts, salted (or nut of your choice)

1 cup dried cherries

1 cup dried apricots, diced

1/2 teaspoon orange oil

Preparation:

Cut a piece of parchment paper and position on a large cookie sheet. Measure roasted peanuts and break apart into halves (or chop roughly into large pieces); set aside. Measure and set aside dried cherries. Dice apricots into medium pieces; set aside.

Place 3/4 of the chocolate in a large microwavable bowl and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds on high power.  Use a rubber spatula to stir, then place back in the microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again.  Continue heating and stirring the chocolate every 30 seconds until it is melted.  Pour remaining chocolate into bowl and stir.  Add orange oil and stir until completely smooth.  You may need to place in the microwave one last time to ensure a smooth texture.

Pour the melted orange chocolate mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it with a spatula until it covers the entire cookie sheet (approximately 1/4 inch thick). Sprinkle the nuts, cherries and apricots over the top evenly. Using your hands or clean spatula, press the toppings into the chocolate so that they will hold when it sets.

Set aside until firm (overnight). Although firm, the orange oil will keep the milk chocolate bark silky soft.

Cut or break the bark into small pieces, and serve at room temperature.

Happy Holidays from Peppercorn Press!