Let’s turn these humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious bark ready to enjoy:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pretzels evenly on the sheet, covering the entire surface.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring, until it turns a rich caramel color.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the pretzels, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the pretzels and caramel in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a minute to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle sea salt flakes and optional chopped nuts over the chocolate layer. Allow the bark to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets, then refrigerate for 2 hours to harden completely.
7. Once set, break the bark into pieces and store it in an airtight container.

As you create this treat, remember how cooking can transform simple ingredients into something memorable, just as my culinary adventures transformed my understanding of flavors and techniques.