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Love Your Heart Dark Chocolate Bark

I have to admit that I love Valentine’s Day.  I know some people aren’t fond of the over commercialization of the day, but if I can combine things like chocolate, flowers, and hearts into one day, I am in, 100%.  Whether or not you are a fan of Valentine’s Day, you’re still a fan of chocolate, right? (Please tell me yes.)  Even if you are not planning on going on a romantic outing with a significant other or having a Galentine’s night with your girlfriends, how about showing yourself some love by treating yourself (and your heart!) to a chocolatey treat. 

This dark chocolate bark is filled to bursting with antioxidants that make your heart happy.  Studies suggest that eating chocolate (specifically dark chocolate, which has a higher cocoa content) can result in lower rates of heart attacks, heart failure, and even death from heart disease.  Cacao nibs offer the same possibilities.  Nuts, like the walnuts and hazelnuts used in this recipe, may lower LDL cholesterol levels, and may reduce the risk of developing blood clots that can cause a fatal heart attack. Pepitas increase nitric oxide generation in the body, which helps expand blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of plaque growth in your arteries.  Goji berries may help regulate blood pressure levels.  All of these ingredients are rich in antioxidants and they taste good!

One thing that I love about chocolate bark is that it looks fancy, but is super simple to make.  All you have to do is melt the chocolate, then spread the melted chocolate out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and sprinkle whatever you want over the top.  When it has hardened, you break it into pieces.  You can also stir mix-ins directly into your chocolate as well, which I love doing because I think it gives the bark more texture and flavor. 

Now it’s time to go make yourself some “Love Your Heart Dark Chocolate Bark.”  If that isn’t a way to show yourself some love, I don’t know what is!

Love Your Heart Dark Chocolate Bark

Makes about 1 ½ pounds of bark

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces high quality dark chocolate (60% cacao or higher), chopped into small uniform pieces
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
  • 1/3 cup pepitas
  • 1/3 dried goji berries
  • 2 tablespoons cacao nibs

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix the walnuts, hazelnuts, pepitas, goji berries, and cacao nibs in a small bowl, then set it aside.
  3. Put the chopped dark chocolate in a glass bowl.  Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds intervals, stirring between each.  When the chocolate is mostly melted, remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is fully melted.
  4. Stir about 2/3 of the nut mix into the melted dark chocolate, then pour this on the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer, between 1/8-inch and ¼-inch thick.  Sprinkle the remaining nut mix over the chocolate.  Sprinkle the sea salt over the chocolate.  Using the palm of your hand, gently press the nut mix down slightly into the chocolate.  (This just helps ensure that it sticks.) 
  5. Let the bark cool completely, then break or cut it into pieces.  The bark will keep for about a week stored in a cool place in an airtight container.  Do not refrigerate.

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DISCLAIMER: This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on voicebowl.com is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition.
COOKIES POLICY: This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse on this website, you accept the use of cookies for the above purposes.