Truly, there's no better hostess gift or way to curb your sweet tooth than my easy (AND healthy) homemade chocolate bark! It looks like you picked it up at gourmet food store, but only takes a few ingredients and minutes to make! I love whipping up this treat and wrapping it in cellophane as a heartfelt gift for friends. It's also the perfect dessert to have on hand in the new year, because it's low in sugar won't deter you from your health goals!
Ingredients:
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate (There are tons alternatives out there if you're trying to cut down on refined sugar, like Lily's Sweets chocolate sweetened with stevia or Hu Kitchen chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar!)
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup salted and shelled pistachios
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup dried fruit of your choice (I used goji berries here, but cranberries, apricots, or cherries would be amazing!)
Other delicious topping ideas: dried coconut flakes, mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs, salted cashews, a swirl of almond butter or peanut butter, etc...
Step 1:
Melt your 2 cups of chocolate with 1 teaspoon instant coffee and 1 teaspoon vanilla in 30 second intervals in the microwave. The instant coffee makes the chocolate taste even chocolate-ier. Just trust me on this! Stir after each time slot to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn!
Step 2:
Pour the melted chocolate on a foil lined baking sheet and spread it about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3:
Add your toppings and press them into the warm chocolate. Here, I added salted and shelled pistachios, toasted slivered almonds, goji berries, and dried orange slices! However, this is TOTALLY customizable and you can add whatever you have on hand!
Step 4:
Place the chocolate in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour until firm, then break apart and serve!
Health benefits:
Dark chocolate is FILLED with antioxidants! It also triggers your happy place in your brain, and releases endorphins that actually make you feel happier and satisfied. This is a great way to tackle your sweet tooth in the new year, and give your body a healthier treat that doesn't deprive you as you work towards your resolutions. Cacao (which is the root ingredient of chocolate) also does miracles for your skin! It reduces redness and blocks wrinkle formation. Plus, when you're topping this treat with nuts, you're getting a dose of heart-healthy fats and protein! So, enjoy this delicious treat and know you're doing something good for your bod! Happy New Year, friends! 2021 is going to be the best year yet!
