Candy...Just Candy

Watching Julie and Julia has reminded and inspired me to post on my blog. 

In my family there is a coveted present at Christmas time...my mother's "candy", which is not really candy...its bark. For as long as I can remember I helped my mother every Christmas whip up batch after batch of wonderful candy bark. It is a crunchy heaven of chocolate and caramel. I have of course adopted the tradition of making "candy" for my friends and family.

I have been asked numerous times how to make this "candy" and what better way to share it than here? As promised I have included many more pictures.(Taking pictures while cooking...much more challenging than expected!)

Ingredients

2 sticks of butter

1 cup of light brown sugar

1 ½ columns of saltine crackers

1 12oz package of semi sweet chocolate morsels

Tinfoil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line large cookie sheet with tinfoil. After cookie sheet is lined with foil lay out 1 layer of saltine crackers in pan (some may have to but cut in half to fit entire pan). Place the butter and brown sugar into a microwave safe glass bowl. Microwave for three minutes and then stir with a whisk. Microwave for another 2-3 minutes or until you see bubbles rise in the pan. You should watch the bubbles rise for at least 1 minute without over flowing. Stir and check to see if the mixture is completely blended. You may need to continue to microwave for 1-3 more minutes or until the mixture is fully blended and slightly thick.

Then pour the caramel mixture over the saltine crackers and spread out with a spatula. After the mixture is spread out place it in the oven for 5 minutes or until the caramel has bubbled completely. Remove from oven and use a spatula or spoon to lay the saltines back flat so they are not over lapping one another. Then spread entire bag of morsels over the pan and place back in the oven for 1 minute. Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly over the caramel. Place in freezer until completely frozen.  Remove from freezer and peel off the tin foil. Then break up sheet with a meat mallet or large spoon. Store the candy in bags in the freezer for a harder texture or in the refrigerator for a softer texture. 

 Mopsy approves of the Candy.

Enjoy!