"L'il Sweethearts" Candy Bark
When I was little I loved Valentine's Day...I used to have an extra spring in my step, carrying my paper Valentine's to school, giddy with the anticipation of our class party! Everyone would bring in treats to share as we laughed the afternoon away and read our cards! Those were the good ole days...I think we should still be allowed to have a Valentine's party at work...we all might get that extra spring back in our step...even if it's sugar induced from loading up on this "L'il Sweethearts Candy Bark"!
To make this kid friendly Valentine's day treat, you will need milk chocolate chips, a bit of vegetable shortening, mini "M&M's", "Sweetheart Mike & Ike's" chewy candies and my favourite 80's kickback candy, "Pop Rocks"... *note...these treats, if eaten in large quantities, may cause sugar induced hyperactivity in children due to the candy/chocolate combo...I would say these are NOT parent friendly! Lol!
In the top of a double boiler (or in a microwave safe bowl) measure out 3 cups of milk chocolate chips...
...add in 1-1/2 tbsps. of vegetable shortening (such as "Crisco")...set over med/high heat on the stovetop (the water in the double boiler should be simmering) and stir until the chips have begun to melt (if you are melting them in the microwave, set the power to medium).
Remove from heat and stir the chocolate until smooth...set aside for a few minutes to cool.
While the melted chocolate is cooling, cut about a 1/3 cup of "Mike & Ike" candies in half or use any chewy candy of your choice....(have some extra candies cut up and set aside to sprinkle on the top of bark)
When the chocolate is luke warm, pour in a 1/2 cup of miniature "M&M's" (the chocolate shouldn't be too hot as it will melt the candies that you add in)...reserve a few "M&M's" to sprinkle on the top of bark.
Next, add in the chopped chewy candies...
...and finally pour in 2 packages of popping candy (such as "Pop Rocks" or "Power Poppers").
Stir to combine then pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
Decorate the top with the reserved candy and set aside on the counter until chocolate has set up.
Once chocolate is firm enough, cut into triangles...
...or break up into pieces.
Pack into pretty little boxes for your Valentine or store in an airtight container on the counter. This candy bark may seem like a kid's treat but truthfully, I have eaten most of this...and let me tell you, I am typing quicker than usual! Lol!
"L'il Sweethearts" Candy bark
3 cups of milk chocolate chips
1-1/2 tbsps. of vegetable shortening (such as "Crisco")
1/2 cup of mini "M&M's" (and about 3 Tbsps. more for the top)
1/3 cup of "Mike & Ike" chewy candies, cut in half (and a few more reserved to sprinkle on the top)
2 packages of popping candies, such as "Pop Rocks" or "Power Poppers"
1. Melt chocolate with the shortening in a double boiler or in the microwave, until chips start to melt...remove from heat and stir until smooth...set aside until chocolate is no longer hot, but luke warm.
2. Cut the chewy candies in half.
3. When chocolate has cooled down, add the "M&M's", "Mike & Ike's" and the "Pop Rocks"...stir until combined then pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread out evenly using a rubber spatula.
4. Sprinkle reserved candies over the top and set aside until chocolate is firm enough to cut into triangles or break up into pieces.
5. Store in an airtight container...Enjoy!