This recipe is not only a sweet and thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day but also a fun and creative culinary project. Anyone receiving such a beautifully crafted chocolate bark is sure to appreciate the time and effort you've put into making this special treat. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the occasion with a handmade and memorable gift.
Instructions
Start by making your chocolate decorations using small candy molds and candy writers. To melt the chocolate candy writers, place in the microwave and heat for 20 seconds. Knead the candy writer to evenly distribute the heated chocolate and microwave for another 20 seconds. Repeat until all the chocolate is melted. Use melted candy writers to color in the small details of the chocolate molds and allow them to set. Fill the rest of the chocolate mold with a melted chocolate of your choice. Tap to remove any air bubbles. Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the mold is cloudy and pieces fall from the mold when tapped on a counter.
To make the chocolate bark, you will need 2 flavors of chocolate candy coating, Valentine sprinkles, your molded chocolate pieces, angled spatula and bench scraper.
Place the dark chocolate candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate using 20 second intervals, stirring in between to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t scorch. Continue melting until the chocolate is fluid. Once the chocolate is melted, pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer using an angled spatula. If you are melting one pound of candy coating it will fit spread into a nice, thin layer on a half sheet pan. Set this to the side to set up at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. While the first layer is setting up, remove your chocolate decorations from their mold.
Next, melt one pound of white chocolate candy coating using the above method. Have your melted candy writers, any sprinkles and chocolate decorations ready to go. Spread the white chocolate over the chocolate layer so they line up as best as possible. While the white chocolate is still melted, drizzle with your desired colors of chocolate. Add the handmade chocolate decorations, being sure to space them out evenly. Sprinkle with a mix of Valentine colored non-pareils, then some pink heart sprinkles. Add more sprinkles to fill in any blank spaces. Allow the bark to set up at room temperature for 15 minutes. When the chocolate is almost completely set up, use a dough cutter to score the bark. Set aside for another 10-15 minutes to set up completely. Use your dough cutter to cut all the way through the bark into bite sized pieces. To finish off, you can add an edible glitter such as jewel dust in a pump and spray to your heart's content. A little goes a long way. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
