If you need a last minute gift, there is nothing better than the gift of homemade candy. This cranberry almond white chocolate bark is sure to fit the bill!

Making homemade candy is a fun family event. Well, at least in our house it was. As a child, my mother would write her list, gather her groceries and get to work with her children surrounding her. Her list would include at least 8 different types of cookies, homemade fudge, and all kinds of homemade candy.

The biggest problem was that we all lost interest after about 1/2 hour. She was then on her own, making the rest of the items by herself. Oh, the joy of it all. I never appreciated how hard she had to work to finish the project until I was an adult. THEN, I understood.

Of course, I take a different approach to batch baking. Especially with my kids. Instead of cooking, stirring, and sugaring, mixing, spooning and baking, I make one batch of cookies, and one or two simple homemade candies.

This cranberry almond white chocolate bark is ready to go in less than 20 minutes, and is so easy, a child can do it. 

When the boy asked me to “teach me how to make candy”, I got him started out with this recipe. Melt, pour, add toppings, chill. Super duper easy. 

Of course, it has lots of ingredients I normally wouldn’t use for my family, but once in a while, I give in to a “feel good” moment that will allow the boy to gain success in doing things for himself. After all, that’s what helps him to grow. Each success, whether in the kitchen, on the computer, with his schoolwork, or other projects, gives him the confidence that he CAN succeed.

Of course, when he makes this cranberry almond white chocolate bark, it gets consumed almost as fast as he can make it. Not by me, but hubby and the boy “sample” it every 30 seconds or so to see if it’s cool enough. Yeah, right. I totally believe they are only doing quality control.

Ingredients:

• 1 package white chocolate (16 ounces)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup slivered almonds

Instructions:

1. Remove the white chocolate from the package and over a double boiler, melt. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
2. Pour melted chocolate on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out evenly. 
3. Sprinkle dried cranberries and almonds over the surface.
4. Chill in fridge for at least an hour. 
5. Break or cut into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Will you try this cranberry almond white chocolate bark? Be sure to let me know if you love it! 

Other recipes you are sure to love:

Ginger Chocolate Peach Cake

Lemon Lime Cupcakes

Caramel Apple Galette