Popcorn Love Bark

Let's talk about making homemade chocolate treats for Valentine's Day. Because, if you're not melting and swirling three different kinds of chocolates together and adding toppings then what are you actually doing? Sure, you can send flowers. In fact, you should send flowers. Flowers are never not a good idea. Jewelry is nice too. And you can buy boxes of chocolates. But it's so much more personal to make the chocolate.

Chocolate bark is one of those recipes that seems fancy and complicated when you see it pre-made but is actually very simple to make at home. You'll need three bars of chocolate. We love including ruby for the red color and white chocolate for the impressive swirl. The third bar is up to you. You can stick with a red and white theme or go for some more traditional chocolate. Milk, semi-sweet or even dark chocolate work great, depending on your personal taste. We think that keeping the white bar in the middle of the pan makes the prettiest swirl effect.

A quick melt in the oven and then start swirling, as much as you want. While the chocolate is still warm and melty, sprinkle on a generous amount of toppings. We love some crunch so popcorn is a must. Then a handful of red M&M's and any fun Valentine sprinkles we've got around. Place the pan in the fridge for a quick set and then break it up. It's fun to get different sizes and shapes. Serve the bark as is or grab some small cellophane bags and a bit of red ribbon to make goodie bags for your Valentines and Galantines.

We used our Dell Cove Spices' Cupid Kisses® popcorn kernels and popped them on the stovetop. The kernels are a dark red but pop white with a slightly red center and tons of great flavor. It goes without saying that you should make an extra batch for yourself, right?

Popcorn Love Bark

Servings

8

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Category

Sweet Recipes

Love bark is a sweet, decadent chocolate treat topped with crunchy popcorn for a perfect Valentine gift.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons canola oil

• ⅓ Cup Cupid Kisses® popcorn kernels

• ¼ Teaspoon salt

• 1 Bar milk or semi-sweet chocolate

• 1 Bar white chocolate

• 1 Bar ruby chocolate

• Red M&M’s candy

• Valentine’s sprinkles

Directions

1. Add the oil and 2 to 3 of the kernels to a large pot with a lid. Heat on high until the kernels pop. Add the remaining kernels and the salt. Cover, continue cooking on high, shaking the pot often, until the popping stops. Remove the popcorn to a bowl.

2. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a quarter sheet pan (13” x 9”) with parchment paper.

3. Place the milk (or semi-sweet), white and ruby chocolate bars on the sheet pan and melt in the oven for about 10 minutes. Use a toothpick, skewer or butter knife to swirl the three colors together.

4. Sprinkle on the popcorn, M&M candies and Valentine’s sprinkles. Refrigerate until set and break into pieces to serve or wrap as a gift.