Chocolate Peanut Butter Crackers

The Dallas Morning News recently held their annual holiday cookie contest, which is always filled with wonderful and different recipes. This one placed 2nd in the "easy" division, which is right up my alley! I am planning to do my holiday baking and put together friend and neighbor gifts tomorrow. I think these beauties will be a must! Easy and yummy, what better combination is there?
CHOCOLATE PEANUT-BUTTER CRACKERS

1 (18-ounce) jar peanut butter

1 (14.5-ounce) box Ritz brand crackers (you will use 48 crackers)

12 ounces chocolate-flavored almond bark (see note)

Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips to decorate (optional) Spread the peanut butter on 24 crackers. Top with the remaining 24 crackers, so you have 24 sandwiches.

Melt almond bark in a double boiler or on the stovetop over low heat.

Dip the peanut-butter cracker sandwiches into the melted chocolate and set on wax paper to cool.

Makes 24 cookies.

Optional decorations: Before cooling, sprinkle on chopped nuts, or melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave and drizzle over cooled cookies.