Antioxidant Bark

...And I'm not talking about tree bark. Although likely full of healthy fiber, I don't recommend eating the crunchy exteriors of trees. Oh no, I'm talking about dark chocolate filled with antioxidant-rich goodies. This chocolate bark is stuffed with toasted coconut, raw pepitas, dried cherries, and chia seeds and it's makes-you-weak-in-the-knees good. I have a few warnings for you though:

Warning 1: This chocolate bark has an addiction rating of 10. You will attempt to engage self-control by eating one or two pieces but you will fail. However, this is one of those rare occasions when failing is actually winning because A) you're eating chocolate and B) it's full of antioxidant-rich garnishes.

Warning 2: Your indulgences/love affair with this bark will leave you with chocolate on your face. And, if you're extra talented blissfully unaware, you'll walk around with chocolate on your face for a full 45 minutes before your husband will see you, burst into a fit of laughter, and suggest that you walk yourself to the nearest mirror to take a gander. Don't worry, karma apparently dishes out its payback in chocolate-covered form these days. As I was writing this post, I looked over at my sweet + handsome husband only to see that the side of his mouth was covered in the remnants of chocolate bark. This bark will get you good.

Warning 3: If you live with a pepita + dried cherry bandit, hide these ingredients before making the bark or you'll 1) be running back to the store or 2) be dishing out a swift slap on the wrist to notify your roommate that his new favorite ad hoc trail mix is about to be coated in chocolate. Chocolate trumps trail mix.

Warning 4: Not making this antioxidant bark would be a huge mistake on your part. You'd be missing out on chocolate, antioxidants, and pure enjoyment. Plus, it returns strongly on its investment; you need not invest much time or energy in making this bark for it to return a significant amount of flavor and happiness.

Antioxidant Bark

 

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Prep time

40 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

50 mins

 

Author: Blissful Basil

Recipe type: Dessert, Chocolate

Serves: 15

Ingredients

• 15 ounces dark chocolate
• ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ½ cup raw pepitas
• sea salt

Instructions

1. Place coconut flakes in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and toast until the flakes are mostly brown.
2. Melt chocolate in microwave or a double boiler.
3. Add melted chocolate to a large mixing bowl. Add in half of the toasted coconut, cherries, and pepitas. Add in all of the chia. Stir until all elements are evenly distributed.
4. Pour bark mixture on a pan lined with parchment paper. Spread to ¼-inch thickness.
5. Top with remaining coconut, cherries, and pepitas. Sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Put in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
7. Once chocolate has firmed up, break or cut the bark into pieces. Store in refrigerator.

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