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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Memorial Day always brings a mix of emotions, doesn't it? It's a time for barbecues and enjoying the start of summer, but it's also a day to pause and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I know how difficult it can be to lose a loved one; my grandfather served in World War II, and although he came home, the war changed him. Making something special, something that brings a little joy while honoring their memory, feels like the right thing to do. This Memorial Day Chocolate Bark is just that – a simple treat with a heartfelt purpose. Plus, it's a fun activity to get the kids involved in, teaching them about the meaning of the day in a tangible way. Like, did you know that Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers?
This bark is incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking at all. You just melt some chocolate, spread it out, and decorate it with your favorite red, white, and blue candies. I like to use a mix of sprinkles, M&Ms, pretzels, and sometimes even some dried cranberries for a touch of tartness. The key is to use good-quality chocolate – it really makes a difference in the final taste. I usually opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate, but milk chocolate works well too if you prefer a sweeter bark. I often find myself thinking about the stories my grandfather told, the sacrifices he and so many others made. This bark, in its small way, is a tribute to their courage and dedication. It’s about remembering, honoring, and, yes, even finding a little sweetness amidst the solemnity. I also love how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to swap out the candies for whatever you have on hand or whatever your family enjoys most. Consider adding some crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version, or some chopped nuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Required Equipments
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Spatula
Memorial Day Chocolate Bark: Frequently Asked Questions
Memorial Day Chocolate Bark
Craft a heartfelt Memorial Day Chocolate Bark to honor and remember. This simple, no-bake treat combines rich chocolate with festive red, white, and blue candies, making it a sweet and symbolic way to commemorate the day.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: Lay a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on a baking sheet. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make it easy to remove once it's set.
- Melt the chocolate: There are two ways to melt the chocolate. You can use a double boiler or the microwave. For a double boiler, fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until it's completely melted and smooth.
- If using the microwave, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- Spread the chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment paper. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to get it as smooth as possible for a nice presentation.
- Decorate the bark: While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle your red, white, and blue candies, sprinkles, and other decorations evenly over the surface. Press them lightly into the chocolate to help them adhere as it sets.
- Chill the bark: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer to allow the chocolate to set completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes in the freezer or 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. You'll know it's ready when the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- Break into pieces: Once the chocolate is set, remove the bark from the refrigerator or freezer. Gently peel the parchment paper away from the back of the bark. Use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces. You can also use a knife to cut it into squares if you prefer.
- Serve and store: Serve the Memorial Day Chocolate Bark immediately or store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It's best enjoyed within a week.
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
- Make sure the chocolate chips is completely melted before spread on parchment paper. It makes all the difference!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 10 mg
