I don’t need an excuse to buy candy. Nope, not me. That’s a year-round grocery cart item for little ole moi.
But if you use Halloween as an excuse, up the ante with some fabulous bark. It’s easy to make, not to mention easier to eat. And it’s full of Halloween candy!
Yep, you’ve got that right. Candy pumpkins, check. Kit Kats, check. Reese’s PB cups, check. Hershey bars, check. Whoppers, check. Oh, and let’s not forget about the lovely sprinkles. Or the milk and white chocolate swirly base. Now do I have your attention?
My attention has been wandering of late. It’s kind of hard to stay focused on any one thing. I read an article a few years back that tried to prove that while men like to focus on one thing at a time, women are more cognitively apt to try and do many things at the same time. In other words, women are natural multitaskers. Which means that as I’m writing this, I have a pie in the oven, a pile of laundry next to me that I fold between sentences, and a child asking me questions in my right ear that I may or may not be answering.
Any number of experts will inform us that when we try to do several things at the same time, none of them get done well. Those experts can kiss my a$$. Ask them how daily to-do lists can get accomplished by doing one thing at a time, and see what they say. Unless your daily list has about three items on it, I don’t see how that can work.
Before we had children (i.e., B.C.), Kenny and I would talk around 11:30 each workday morning. Our phone conversations would go like this:
Kenny: How’s your day going?
Mir: It’s cool. I’m getting a ton done. I’m so tired.
Kenny: Really? It’s only 11:30!
Mir: It’s my lunchtime. I’ve already taught for four straight hours, paid the bills and made a doc appointment. What are you up to?
Kenny: Um…I took a shower.
Yep, those were the days. But Kenny, in all his manly glory, never felt bad about easing into his day and not getting each item duly checked off the to-do list that, admittedly, I created for him. And he still doesn’t really mind. I’m pretty jealous.
One thing I wonder about is whether doing so many things at one time is bad for the attention span. I do know that I’m very guilty of only half-listening to anything a child of mine is asking at any given time. Which is why these conversations happen:
Boy, Age Seven: Mommy, can I take the bag of lollipops upstairs to my room?
Mir: (absently) Sure, honey. (a minute passes) Wait, what?!
See? Not paying full attention is dangerous. Or if you’re my kid, it’s pretty great. The Boy had a whole bag of Dum-Dums up in his room (and was partway into his second) before I realized I’d been checked out.
Whenever I eat dessert, though, I try to make mindfulness a priority. I really focus on whatever is going into my mouth, and then it’s an even better experience. To be completely clear, I had no trouble whatsoever focusing on this Halloween candy bark. How could I think about anything else?
The base of this bark is milk chocolate (my personal favorite, so my apologies to you foodies who love the 90% dark), swirled with some white chocolate. On top, I piled all of my favorite chocolate bar goodness, plus those cute little candy pumpkins. I can never resist adorable.
Bark is a really great solution to the question, “I’ve got five minutes and fifty things to do, and I need to produce a treat for my kid’s class/my office party/my own sanity. What can I bake?”
In other words, this stuff comes together fast. Chill time is another matter, but 30 minutes in the fridge and you’re good to go.
My older daughter just walked up to me and asked me for tape. I have no idea why she wanted tape, but I was distracted, so I gave it to her. Why do I feel like my divided attention is going to result in my getting very upset in just a few minutes’ time? But that’s the price of multitasking!
At least I can focus on dessert. That’s really the important thing, anyway. Everything else can get done with little bits of my focus. It’s all about priorities!
Ingredients
2 packages milk chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
12 assorted fun-sized candy bars, chopped into pieces (I used Reese's peanut butter cups, Kit Kat bars, Hershey bars and Whoppers)
Halloween-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips for one minute. Stir. If not smooth and melted, heat an additional 20 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Spread out the milk chocolate to about 1/2-inch thickness. Don't go too thin, or the bark won't be as good.
- In a separate bowl, heat the white chocolate chips for 40 seconds. Stir, and if not melted, heat an additional 20 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Drop the white chocolate by spoonfuls gently onto the milk chocolate. Using a knife, swirl the melted white chocolate gently into the milk chocolate. Do not overdo it, or your bark will become one uniform muddy color.
- Sprinkle the chopped candy bars evenly over the bark, being sure to distribute each kind of candy bar equally over the top. Add the sprinkles.
- Chill the bark for 30 minutes. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. If you're worried about melting, keep it in the refrigerator until shortly before serving.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/halloween-candy-bark/
Making bark is one of my favorite treats! I love that you can throw pretty much anything in there and it tastes delicious. Not to mention how easy it is to whip up, too! This looks just perfect, Mir!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Apple Pie Granola
Thanks, Gayle! I did go for easy, but it’s Monday. We need easy today!
What a fun treat and a great way to use up leftover chocolate (if there is such a thing?)
I am the queen of multitasking too. My husband doesn’t understand how I can do so many different things at the same time.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Mexican Tortilla Soup by Dannii
I mean, how can we not multitask? There is too much for be done! And there’s never leftover chocolate. Just re-purposed. 🙂
ha! I’m totally a multitasker .. I can’t sit still and have to be doing like 10 things at once. Keeps me crazy and sane, all at the same time. 🙂 I love making chocolate bark with leftover candy. . and the candy has already started . . each year, our neighborhood does this thing where you get “boo’ed”, or someone secretly leaves candy at your house and you do the same thing to 2 more houses and so on. . anyway, there’s already candy in the house. . so I’m ready for this bark! love this!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Roasted Butternut Squash Pizza
I love your neighborhood! That’s such a cool idea. What happens to the house that starts it? Do they ever get someone coming back to them with more candy? Love that tradition!
I have no idea!!! that’s a good question! I guess they are just excited to start things off?
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Mini Croques Monsieur Sandwiches
Oh my gosh, you have solved the eternal dilemma of picking out which Halloween candy to choose – I can have all of them with this fun and fabulous bark! And, raises hand to join the multitasker club. 🙂
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Steak with Parmesan Butter
We’re in the club, Kate! Let’s be proud. After all, if we can do five things at once, we’re superheros!
This Halloween candy bark is super cute! Love this idea for using leftover chocolate! Those pumpkin candies are so sweet, too!
Jess @ What Jessica Baked Next recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Thanks, Jess! I think the little pumpkins are so cute.
I love candy bark. It’s a Halloween tradition around here. But I’ve never used Kit Kats. I’ll have to give that a try!
Amanda recently posted…Tea Latte
The Kit Kats add even more fun. I recommend, Amanda!
You crack me up! And though I should be focusing on this recipe I’m now wondering what your daughter wanted tape for! ha! See what you started! Okay – yes – I love bark and this one is a keeper! Everything I love melted down into one little package! Perfect!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Couscous Panzanella Salad
Yep, it turned out badly, that tape thing. But all was okay because I self-medicated with chocolate!
Hahahahaha! Girl, you crack me up! I’m with you- all for multitasking, and sure, I KNOW I am not giving each task my full attention, but really do the clothes NEED my full attention for folding? um no. Does my dog NEED my undivided attention as I walk her on a leash and check my email and social media at the same time? No. So I concur … those studies can kiss it. 😉 Anyways, I’m thinking you should rename this bark to “everything but the Halloween basket bark”. These are CRAZY, Mir!! This year I don’t have any excuse to buy Halloween candy because I’ve already been told we won’t be getting any trick-or-treaters out here in the country. But, Boy has already informed me we still NEED the candy. lol. For him of course. I KNOW what I will be doing with whatever candy he sneaks home – Making this ridiculously delicious bark! Pinned! Cheers, lovely! xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Brown Sugar Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cider-Leek-Bourbon Compote
They can totally kiss it. I dare anyone to get stuff done by doing one task at a time. I’m just not able to do that! And your boy is right. You NEED the candy.
OMG! You totally just reminded me that I need to do some laundry! I’m always all over the place and distracted. I’m pulled in so many directions at work with people constantly emailing, calling and instant messaging. But I’m more like Kenny and prefer to ease my way into the day. I love that you threw everything possible into this bark and it’s still easy to make!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Belgian Tripel – Home Brew!
Laundry. Sigh. Such a bummer! But I’m jealous of you for easing into the day. I ease into my night, but my mornings start with a bang!
haha you crack me up Mir! Yes no distractions when it comes to candies! Love this bark, so much goodness!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Thanks, Manali! No distractions while eating. Just while working. 🙂
This looks heavenly- I never need an excuse for sweet treats 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…One Bowl Pumpkin Chip Muffins! {Vegan + GF}
Me neither, Medha. I want it, and that’s enough!
Oh my goodness this is such a cute idea, I love it! I don’t think I’ve ever seen bark besides during christmas time. This is a must make for the little ones 🙂
Mary @ LOVE the secret ingredient recently posted…POURfect Measuring Spoons & Curry Pho with Veal & Veggies
Exactly my thought, Mary! The kids loved this stuff. There wasn’t any left for me. Sad!
Haha! I’m the same way. We have quite the candy stash here at our house. But it is Halloween (almost), so why not enjoy it? ;D But I’d much rather have candy on this delicious bark! Anything with white chocolate is just right up my alley! Thanks for sharing! 😀
Kennedy Cole| KCole’s Creative Corner recently posted…Refried Bean and Cheese Burritos with Pico de Gallo and Avocado Crema
I love my candy stash, and it’s a year-round thing. I’m glad you like the white chocolate!
Hee. Hee. That post made me chuckle. Sounds just like me for sure. I’m the ever-multitasked! My husband is NOT. I’m in love with the idea of this bark! Guess where all the leftover Halloween candy is going? 😀
Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Book Review: The Blender Girl Smoothies
I’ve never met a guy who does that. Maybe he’s out there, but I dunno!
Haha – so glad I stumbled by! “B.C.” I could eat ALL this candy bark and not have to share OR justify my overload of chocolate!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Cinnamon Bacon Doughnuts
Thanks, Shashi! I never have to justify my chocolate addiction. It’s just who I am!
There just isn’t any other way for me, but doing 5 things at the same time. It could be dangerous at times! This bark looks so festive! Love the pictures!
It can be dangerous, but worth the risk. Thanks so much, Mira!
This is why Women RULE! Because we are the best multitask-ers ever! If i wake up late on the weekend ( past 8 am) i am like losing my mind thinking about all the time i lost! lol I enjoyed reading this post because i can totally relate! It feels good to get alot of things done in a short time. Love the candy bark!
Ambar recently posted…Carne Guisada
I’m so glad you can relate! I think we rule, too. Just a biased opinion over here! Thanks, Ambar!
I don’t think anything I’ve ever done has been a product of sitting down to focus on one task at hand. Like, ever. Then there comes the fine line between multitasking/procrastinating with another thing on the to-do list, oh well! If the kids leave us any candy after the trick-or-treating happens in a week, this will be on my to-do list too! I’m a sucker for all the Halloween candies.
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss recently posted…One Pot Chicken Cacciatore
There is SUCH a fine line. But I always have a hard time finding it, Jessica!