Ingredients
1–10 oz. bag of bittersweet chocolate chips, 60% cacao content or higher
Assorted toppings, including nuts, dried fruits, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, unsalted pretzels, dried coconut.
Spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, curry or chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika (use your imagination!)
Directions
1. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
2. Add all but 2 ounces (about 1/3 cup) of chocolate chips to a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Make sure bowl is completely dry before adding chips!
3. Microwave chips for 40 seconds, remove and stir well. Return to microwave and heat in 20-second intervals (about 3 times), stirring well in between, until the chips have just melted. Add the reserved 1/3 cup of chips (and any spices you choose) and stir until all chocolate is melted and glossy. Do not overheat, and be careful. Melted chocolate will be hot.
4. Immediately pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
5. Sprinkle toppings over the melted chocolate and set aside in the coolest room in your house to cool. Allow to completely harden for about 1 to 2 hours.
6. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in a cool location for up to one week.
Top with assorted toppings or try:
Curried coconut cashew bark:
Mix 1/4 tsp. curry powder into the melted chocolate; top with toasted coconut flakes and chopped cashews.
Spicy cinnamon almond bark:
Add 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper into melted chocolate and top with chopped, roasted almonds.
Thank you to ChristianaCare for this recipe. To find more, visit news.christianacare.org/category/wellness.
