Fully Loaded Bars Recipes

FULLY LOADED BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (if using dark or nonstick pan, heat oven to 325°F). Grease 13x9-inch pan with shortening or spray with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, beat brown sugar, butter and egg with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour and oats. Spread in pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat caramels and half-and-half over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted. Pour caramel mixture over crust. Sprinkle with chocolate chunks, nuts and pretzels.
• Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Cool about 1 hour or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.

FULLY LOADED CHRISTMAS BARK

Steps:

• Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Place 2 inches of water in each of 2 medium saucepans. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat so the water stays at a very gentle simmer.
• Place the white chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl and the dark chocolate chips in another large heatproof bowl. Place the bowls over the simmering water in the pans. Stir the pots occasionally with rubber spatulas until smooth, being sure to use a separate spatula for each to keep the chocolates separate.
• Pour the melted white chocolate into the prepared baking sheet. Spread the chocolate evenly with an offset spatula or the same rubber spatula. Place in the freezer to firm up, about 5 minutes.
• Stir the peppermint extract into the dark chocolate. Remove the chilled white chocolate from the freezer and pour the dark chocolate on top. Spread the dark chocolate evenly on the baking sheet, then sprinkle with the pretzels, rice cereal and crushed candy. Press the toppings gently into the dark chocolate so they'll stay in place when the chocolate hardens. Place back in the freezer until the chocolate is firm to the touch, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Cut the bark into 24 pieces, or break it into shards with your hands for a more rustic look. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place, or refrigerate.