For the past holiday season I had planned on making several batches of various interesting chocolate barks as a giveaway gift. Wrapped up nicely, it would make a cute gift for neighbors, acquaintances or hosts of a party.

I completely failed to make any chocolate bark before Christmas, unless you count the odd Peppermint Crack (which I don’t). I finally got my act together after Christmas and picked out the two most interesting (and easy) recipes. The first one was the winner of the “Your Best Edible Gift” contest on Food 52. Dark chocolate, smoky, warm spices, and nuts and cherries. It sound like there might be a lot going on, but I made it anyway. It’s quick to make and really delicious. It’s very different and I kept taking bites so I could pick up on all the flavors going on in there. Plus it’s got a liberal amount of salt in it.

The second version I made was much simpler and more traditional, with walnuts, cherries and candied ginger. It’s also good and even easier to make, but if I had the choice I’d keep coming back for the ancho version.

• Ancho Chili-Cinnamon Chocolate Bark (Food 52)
• Dark-Chocolate Bark with Walnuts & Dried Cherries (Food & Wine)