Mix and Match Chocolate Bark

I made this this past weekend to send to they hubby. Thought it would be a nice change from all the cookies I've been sending him! I found this is the Dec. issue of Food Network magazing. It turned out so good, and was much easier than I expected! The best part is that you can add whatever toppings you like.

Chocolate Bark:

-1 pound of chocolate, bittersweet, semisweet, white, or half bitter or semisweet and half white chocolate.

Crunchy Topping Suggestions:
- almonds
-walnuts
-macadamia nuts
-pecans
-pistachios
-cashews
-pine nuts
-hazelnuts
-peppermints
-toffee
-nut brittle
-toasted coconut flakes
-banana chips
-broken cookies
-pretzels
-peanuts
-potato chips

Chewy Topping Suggestions:
-dried figs
-dried apricots
-dried cherries
-dried cranberries
-dried mangoes
-candied orange peel
-crystalized ginger
-marshmallows
-caramels

Spice Suggestions (optional):
-red pepper flakes
-flakey sea salt
-crushed cardamom seeds
-toasted fennel seeds
-crushed pink peppercorns

-Prepare your pan, line with foil, shiny side up. Smooth out all creases.
-Pick your ingredients. I used semisweet and white chocolate, pretzels, peanuts, and caramels.
-Chop your chocolate into 1/2 inch pieces with a large knife.
-Place all but 1 cup of the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. (For swirled bark, put all but 1/2 cup of each chocolate in 2 separate bowls)
-Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir with a rubber spatula. Continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until melted, 3-5 minutes total. (For swirled, microwave each separately at 15-second intervals)
-Immediately add the reserved chopped chocolate and to bowl(s) and stir vigorously until melted and shiny. Don't worry if there are a few small unmelted pieces.
-Pour chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet; use the rubber spatula to spread it into a 10-12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick-does not need to be exact.
-For swirled bark, pur the 2 chocolates side by side on the baking sheet and use the spatula to swirl them together.
-Add your toppings. Press them into the chocolate, arranging them so each bit has a mix of flavors and textures. Sprinkle with spices if you're using any.
-Let bark harden completely at room temperature, about 1 hour.
-Break into pieces (you may need to freeze for 5 minutes to make it easier, and so it doesn't melt under your fingers.

-Store in airtight container for 1-2 weeks.