Oh my goodness gracious, Santa arrives in four more sleeps! The big question is — do you have all your gifts? If the answer is no, I have the perfect, most delicious idea for you.
“Maybe Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps means a little bit more.” – The Grinch
Last minute foodie gifts are the absolute best. Aside from possibly having to run to the store for a few ingredients, you won’t have to brave a number of stores, battle through the masses or wait in line for what feels like forever. Oh no, my foodie friends, last minute edible gifts take away much of the Christmas shopping stress.
Added bonus: You don’t have to think about a number of gifts as you’ll make one big recipe and divide it up. You can’t ask for much more than that can you?
Pecan praline pie bark is going to be your Christmas lifesaver.
The great thing about this recipe, all bark recipes for that matter, they are fool proof. No experience needed. Get this, only five ingredients are required. You’ll need brown sugar, vanilla, pecans, honey graham crackers, butter and all of 30 minutes of your time.
Here’s the breakdown: place a layer of graham crackers on a baking pan and set aside. Chop up your pecans and set aside. Mix the butter and brown sugar together in a pot over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn. Pour the vanilla and pecans into the mixture. Once it bubbles, take it off the stove and pour the mixture over the honey graham crackers. The trick is pouring it quickly and evenly before it cools. Once you’re happy with how it’s spread out, place it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350. When done, let it cool at room temperature.
“The gift of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken
I like this recipe because it’s a step away from the typical chocolate bark that everyone seems to make these days. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely dies for chocolate. But why would you want to do the same as everyone else? Different and unique is where its at.
When cooled off, gently break it into pieces to the preferred size and viola – done! I mean seriously. It doesn’t get much easier than that folks.
The only thing you may have to consider for this recipe is food allergies. If you can’t make this particular recipe because of the nuts, consider it an idea to get your creative foodie ideas flowing. There are an endless amount of amazing bark recipes online. Here are some other ideas for you to ponder: cookies and cream bark, pretzel bark, sea salt almond bark, chocolate caramel bark, English toffee bark, peppermint bark, s’mores bark, cranberry pistachio bark, mint chocolate cookie bark and the list goes on and on.
Don’t forget, presentation is everything! You can make your bark look like a hundred bucks with the right packaging. Over the years, I have collected all sorts of packaging. Everything from Christmas themed tins, bags, boxes, tags — even Christmas themed parchment paper.
The packaging adds a final touch and brings the entire gift together. I mean, who wouldn’t love to receive this? It’s filled with love and thoughtfulness. It’s also a great activity for the kids, or you could make it an afternoon or evening with friends by making different kinds and exchanging the result so you end up with a wonderful variety.
Kinda like a cookie exchange but with bark. Brilliant I say!
“When what do my wondering eyes should appear… but 10 extra pounds on hips, thighs, and rear.” – Unknown
No matter the kind of Christmas bark you decide to make, it’s definitely fit to eat and definitely fit to give as a Christmas gift.
From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with great food, family and friends. Cheers!
Erin Sulley is a self-confessed foodie who lives in Mount Pearl. Email erinmsulley@gmail.comTwitter: @ErinSulley Instagram: @erinsulley
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