Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add brown sugar and sea salt and stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
7. Sprinkle with mini pretzels and coarse sea salt.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
10. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave.
11. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled caramel and pretzel mixture.
12. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 pounds of bark
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 590
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter can be substituted for salted butter.
- Dark brown sugar can be substituted for light brown sugar.
- Milk chocolate chips can be substituted for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the bark.
- Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the caramel mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to spread the caramel mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
- Let the bark cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bark in a decorative bowl or platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the caramel mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
- If the caramel mixture is too thin, cook for an additional minute.
Food Safety Advice:
Keep the bark in an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Food History:
Pretzel bark is a popular treat that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages.
Flavor Profiles:
This bark has a sweet and salty flavor with hints of vanilla and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A