We always seem to get a box of chocolates or candies from one of our neighbors or friends during the holidays and this year it was our turn to return the tradition. Instead of using lots of white sugar or overly sweet treats, a good quality Bittersweet Chocolate with several different types of Dried Fruits, Cocoa Nibs, Banana Chips and Coconut flakes made eating holiday Chocolates a less guilty pleasure.
Chocolate Bark
12 ounces
Ingredients
12 ounces good quality Bittersweet Chocolate
Assorted dried Fruits: (Mango, Apricots, Cherries and Cranberries)
Shredded Coconut
Cocoa Nibs
Instructions
Melt the Bittersweet Chocolate over a double boiler until fully melted.
Pour the Chocolate into a sheet pan or tin swirling around until it forms a thin layer of Chocolate.
Gently press in the Dried Fruits and other ingredients over the top of the Chocolate then drizzle with any remaining melted Chocolate.
Let cool until hard by placing in the refrigerator until firm.
Break the “bark” into medium size pieces and store in decorative bags or tins.
Notes
The best way to create a double boiler is to set a small glass or stainless steel bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the water never comes to full boil. When melting Chocolate, be careful not to get any steam into the Chocolate or it will seize up and harden. Once melted, remove the bowl from the double boiler and set aside. Stir the melted Chocolate with a rubber spatula until smooth.
Any variety of dried Fruits, Nuts or bits can be added to your melted Chocolate to create any number of interesting combinations. Add a little bit of melted Milk Chocolate or Semi-sweet Chocolate for added dimension. This is beyond easy and makes for a perfect special holiday gift.