Cooking with Kelly: Chocolate bark

'Tis the season for gift giving. I meet up with my friends this time of year each year to catch up and swap stories. This year, we had a fun time shopping, eating and attending the symphony (wow, I feel like a grown up all the sudden). We usually exchange gifts and I like to make something to give the appearance of being domestic. This year's gift really made the cut. It was easy, quick and impressive looking, despite not turning on the stove OR oven. Score.

Chocolate Bark

10 oreo cookies

1 package white chocolate

1 package milk chocolate

2 tablespoons peanut butter

Crush the oreos and divide them. Melt the chocolate in separate containers in the microwave. I started by nuking them for one minute, then stiring and going for additional 30-second intervals until they were completely melted.

Add half of the crushed oreos to each bowl of chocolate, then add the peanut butter to the white chocolate. After mixing in the extras, add spoonfuls of the chocolate mixtures to a lined cookie sheet. I suggest using a silicone baking mat for this, if you have one, because it makes everything easier.

Alternate the chocolate dollops and using a knife to swirl the two colors together. This will create a cute pattern. Freeze the tray atleast an hour, preferably overnight. Then, break the chocolate into pieces so it looks like bark.

I divided the tray into little treat bags that you can get at the craft store and tied it with ribbon. It makes about six generous portions.