Grains for the holidays: Holiday bark

A sweet treat pairs perfectly with the holiday season! There are countless ways to incorporate Ontario grains into your treats and desserts. Check out this simple five-ingredient recipe to make Holiday bark using Ontario wheat. Most holiday bark recipes can be customizable based on your pantry ingredients or your family’s preferences!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups of semi-sweet melting chocolate or chocolate chips
• 30-40 whole wheat crackers
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Optional: festive sprinkles, decoration, or topping of choice

Directions:

1. Cover a baking sheet in aluminum foil.
2. Lightly spray the baking sheet with a cooking spray.
3. Place saltine crackers in single-layer rows on the baking sheet until covered and set aside.
4. Preheat the oven to 375℉.
5. Add butter and sugar to a pot on low-medium heat,
6. Once combined, allow melted butter and sugar to come to a boil.
7. Let the sugar and butter mixture boil for one minute and remove from heat.
8. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. While it is still hot, pour the butter, sugar, and vanilla mixture over the saltine crackers and spread evenly.
10. Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake until bubbling (approximately 4-6 minutes).
11. Take the pan out of the oven and spread the chocolate chips or melting chocolate evenly across the crackers.
12. Place back into the oven for 3-4 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
13. Remove from the oven and spread the melted chocolate evenly.
14. Add optional toppings onto the chocolate.
15. Let the bark sit in a cool room or refrigerator to cool and set.
16. Break or cut into pieces and enjoy!

The options are endless for the perfect holiday bark recipe. Try peppermint, nuts, toffee pieces, dried fruit, M&M’s, caramel, coconut, or even crushed-up cookies. Or ask your family their favourite toppings to create your unique, new family holiday recipe!