First of all, please take a look at this picture for me. Very nice angle, huh? Thanks to my eight year old daughter, Hatti, I have this awesome picture of some rockin’ Octoberbark. She is always interested in what’s going on in the kitchen, and especially perks up when the camera surfaces. I just had to turn my beloved Canon over to her for a few shots. And I particularly liked this one.
Now, let’s talk candy! I remember eating candy bars in junior high and high school quite a bit. Actually, probably, too much, really. Because, back then, I could actually get a full size candy bar AND a glass of pop with my allotted dollar from Dad whenever we went to a school sporting event.
That little gig ended many years ago, though, and it’s a very rare thing for me to buy a candy bar these days. But when I saw this idea in the latest Bon Appetit magazine, I was mesmerized. All my favorite candies were lovingly chopped into bite size pieces and strewn across a bed of melted chocolate. I knew it wasn’t exactly the healthiest thing for myself or my family, but it’s all about moderation and sharing the yummies with friends. So I fought through my conscience and picked up numerous bags of high sugar content candy.
And I felt good about it. Yes, I honestly did! So good, in fact, I have declared this our new October tradition.
Hark! Octoberbark!
Octoberbark
(print recipe)
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (or 16 oz. bittersweet chocolate, omitting the semi-sweet)
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 oz. Butterfinger candy bars, cut into irregular bite-size pieces
4 oz. Heath or Skor toffee candy bars, cut into irregular bite-size pieces
4 oz. Reese’s peanut butter cups, cut into irregular bite-size pieces
6 Halloween Oreos, quartered
1/4 c. honey-roasted peanuts
4 oz. white chocolate, chopped
1/4 c. Reese’s Pieces yellow and orange candies
Note: This is so adaptable – use what YOU like. The original recipe calls for a bittersweet chocolate base, but I knew my husband would enjoy it more if it wasn’t quite so dark, so I used half bittersweet and half semi-sweet. I happen to like all the candy from the original recipe, so I used all that was suggested. And I added some Halloween Oreos. I would like to try it with Twix and Rolo’s, too!
Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Stir chocolate chips in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Pour chocolate onto foil and spread to 1/4″ thickness (about 12″ x 10″ rectangle). Sprinkle with Butterfinger candy, toffee, peanut butter cups, Oreos, and nuts, making sure all pieces touch melted chocolate to adhere.
Put white chocolate in heavy small saucepan. Stir contantly over very low heat until chocolate is melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Remove from heat. Dip spoon into chocolate and wave from side to side over bark, creating zigzag lines. Scatter Reese’s Pieces over, making sure candy touches melted chocolate.
Chill bark until firm, about 45 minutes. Slide foil with candy onto work surface and peel off foil. Cut bark into irregular pieces.
Source: adapted from Bon Appetit, October 2010
Hatti is one heck of a photographer and her Mom is one heck of a baker. Love the look and the ingredients in this Octoberbark.
You are always so sweet, Paula. I showed Hatti your comment and then your site. She is in awe of your handiwork.
Story of my life: I am behind on my magazine reading and October bon appetit is next on my list! This gives me a reason to be tres excited.
Separately, thank you for showing me yet another way I can incorporate candy corn into my diet this fall
Hey, great idea with the candy corn!!
I think if I make this my husband will be eternally grateful. Yum!
Hi Paige – thanks for visiting!
W-O-W!! This looks amazing. Excellent photo–love the polka dots. Had I not gotten so behind on my magazines, i may have seen this recipe. Thanks for whipping it up!
Kirsten is Comfortably Domestic recently posted..Fear Not Bread- Part IV- Sourdough
Hi Kirsten – I’ll pass along the photo comment to Hatti, it’ll make her smile. And I hear you about getting behind on magazine reading – I just pulled out a couple issues to get through in the upcoming week. Thanks for stopping by!
can I have some from the fridge. (p.s thanks for showing my pic.)
Nice eye, Hatti! That bark looks sinfully good. I totally want to make this, but I’m fearful that we’ll polish it all off way too quickly. And end up with 4 cavities each in the process. Would be a great idea for leftover candy, though!
Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead recently posted..Dear Mackenzie- 23 months of wisdom
Hi Tiffany – thanks for stopping by! I had fun checking out your farmhouse – what a project!