Step 1

Line a 10x15-inch pan or cookie sheet with wax paper.

Step 2

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. I like to use a disposable paper bowl or re-usable plastic container for best results. Add shortening or oil. Heat chocolate chips on 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.

Step 3

Spread chocolate into an even layer on the prepared pan. Top with desired toppings. Chill to set then break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days to 2 weeks (depending on the toppings you use; candy toppings last longer than pretzels or cookies, which tend to get stale).

Step 4

Peppermint White Chocolate Bark: Sprinkle chopped candy canes or peppermint crunch over melted white chocolate.

Step 5

M&M Chocolate Bark: Sprinkle holiday or any flavor M&Ms over melted white or regular chocolate.

Step 6

Milk & Cookies Bark: Sprinkle chopped chocolate chip cookies and/or Oreos over melted white chocolate.

Step 7

Peanut Butter Cup Bark: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over melted milk or semi-sweet chocolate.

Step 8

Caramel Pretzel Bark: Sprinkle chopped pretzels and Rolos over milk or semi-sweet chocolate.

Step 9

Almond Toffee Bark: Sprinkle almonds, toffee bits, and cocoa nibs over dark chocolate.

Step 10

These are just a few ideas - there are so many options! Clean out your baking pantry and make your favorite flavor combo!