White Chocolate Bark

December 11, 2011 • Recipes, Videos

We live in America so, hello! we are a bit spoiled. I mean there are those in third world countries that do not have suitable water to drink. We have that coming out of a clean metal thing stuck to the wall and we find that worthy for only washing dirty dishes and removing the soil from our clothes. No, that isn’t even good enough to drink. There are little bottles of even further filtrated and purified water we purchase from the market. So, in terms of purchasing gifts this holiday season for those that have everything, I join you in your scratching of the head moment as we ponder that age old question, “What do you buy someone who has everything?” Hey, I’m glad you asked that. I’ve been thinking about it too. At first in my voyage of discovery, uncovering this mystery really had me discouraged. Instead of getting closer to a solution, I stumbled upon the root of the problem. True, we are a nation completely overrun with “things” and the collection of such and even my creativity is enamored by its luster. Credit card companies are enjoying their “Christmas” well before the holiday even begins because we perpetuate the idea that “things” are all there is to give or worse, all there is to value. But “experiences” now that’s something we can never satiate and the best part– some can monetarily cost little and sometimes even nothing.

In my search for cool “experience gifts,” I inadvertently received one the other day for no reason other than he wanted to do it. And to date, it has made my favorite gifts list that I didn’t even know I was silently keeping note of until this one found its way in my e-mail box. A play-list of music he took time to make for me from songs he likely had in his own collection. And that’s the beauty of gifts that are more “experience” minded rather than “things”. They touch your heart in a way you are not likely to soon forget.

Now that’s one idea that was unique. There are times something usual and ordinary can be given in a manner that is memorable. I once received a very small bouquet of about three hand picked wild flowers. Cliche’ yes, but unusual in that he knocked on my window while I was reading in bed which forced me to open the window in which he smiled with the puniest unforgettable selection of flowers or weeds to some who know the fruits of their green parts. Anyway, the point is deviating from the norm and going out on that proverbial limb by stretching your thoughts to lean more towards providing an experience to remember.

In my small attempt to do something different for all involved, the boys and I decided we wanted to venture out a bit. One year, well actually several years in a row because we had so much fun, I made my usual batches of cookies for Christmas and threw them in some pretty little tins I found at the dollar store. Instead of handing them to the perspective recipients we decided to do a little Christmas “ring and run”. The thrill of sneaking out all dressed in black and placing the food on the door step as we rang the door bell only to run, was more exciting than all of the Christmas gift giving years prior. If you have kids, trust me, having a parent that chooses to be your partner in crime and do something with them you tell them they shouldn’t do, heart strings are tied and bonding ensues.

I love a good ole fashioned food “experience”. And more and more I’m noticing people are not making the time to cook. The last pot luck dinner I attended consisted of “store-bought” foods. With this in mind I’m giving you a different very quick chocolate experience. Look at it this way, most of us have all the “things” we want. Give an experience and you’re giving a memory.