Crackly Two Tone Bark Recipes

BASIC BARK

Steps:

• Coat a 9-by-12 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet withcooking spray, and line with parchment, leaving anoverhang on ends.
• Melt chocolate in a double boileror a heatproof bowl setover a pan of simmering water,stirring. Pour into baking sheet,and spread in an even layer.
• Immediately sprinkle toppingsover chocolate. Refrigerateuntil firm, about 1 hour.Peel off parchment, and breakbark into pieces.

CLASSIC PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Coat a 9-by-12 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet or 6 small loaf pans (2 1/2 by 5 inches) with cooking spray, and line with parchment, leaving an overhang on long sides. Pour melted chocolate into baking sheet or divide among pans (3 tablespoons each), and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle toppings over chocolate. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Peel off parchment, and break bark into pieces.

CRACKLY TWO-TONE BARK

Steps:

• Coat a 9-by-12 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet withcooking spray, and line with parchment, leaving anoverhang on ends. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring. Pour into baking sheet, and spread in an even layer. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Melt milk chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproofbowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring. Mix in crisped rice cereal. Spread milk chocolate-cereal mixture over white chocolate. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Break into pieces.

PORK BELLY CRACKLINGS

Steps:

• Using a utility knife, razor blade or sharp knife, score skin into 1 1/2-inch squares, then use score marks as guides to cut through meat and fat underneath, resulting in 1 1/2-inch cubes.
• Pour oil into a pot deep enough that top of oil is at least 6 inches from rim; place over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 225 degrees on a deep-fat frying thermometer, add pork cubes and immediately stir gently to prevent clumping. Cook pork until it is lightly golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine spices in a small bowl.
• Reheat oil to 400 or 425 degrees and add pork again. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until skin "cracks" or bubbles up. Remove cubes to a plate lined with fresh paper towels. After a minute put cracklings in a bowl, toss with spice mix and kosher salt, and serve.

DRIED CHERRY AND ORANGE PEEL BARK

Steps:

• Coat a 9-by-12 1/2-inch rimmed baking sheet or 6 small loaf pans (2 1/2-by-5-inches) with cooking spray, and line with parchment, leaving an overhang on long sides. Pour melted chocolate into baking sheet or divide among pans (3 tablespoons each), and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle toppings over chocolate. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Peel off parchment, and break bark into pieces.