DIY Chocolate Bark

This is one of my absolute favourite snacks! It takes no more than 30 minutes to make from start to finish (and that includes 20 minutes in the freezer to set the chocolate). This chocolate bark is packed full of nutritional ingredients. The better quality your ingredients, the better the bark is for you. Good quality dark chocolate is full of nutrients, anti oxidants and has been said to improve several bodily risk factors for disease (especially heart disease) as well as potentially improve brain function.*

METHOD:

Start by melting some dark chocolate, you can use whatever chocolate you like but dark chocolate is said to be rich in fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese along with other nutrients. I like to take mine of the heat just before it has all melted and let the residual heat melt the rest so it doesn’t get as hot in case this effects the nutritional quality of the chocolate. Then simply spread thinly over some baking paper, I like mine fairly thin as it means I can put more toppings on and in theory it lasts longer (it never lasts long as it is just too tasty). Once it has spread out add the toppings and place in the fridge or freezer until set.

-Line a tray with parchment paper

-Melt 200g Chocolate

-Spread the melted chocolate creating a thin layer

-Add selected toppings

-Use the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to gently press the ingredients into the chocolate

-Refrigerate and when set break into smaller pieces

MY GO TO TOPPINGS:

• Maldon Sea Salt: It still contains the trace minerals of the sea which can help us stay hydrated and reduce water retention

• Desiccated coconut: good for iron and fibre and can supposedly support brain function

• Mixed chopped nuts: there are many different nuts, each with their own benefits, but they can be good for protein and healthy fats

• Flax seed: high in fibre, anti oxidants and omega 3’s

• Pumpkin seed: alkaline, good for omega 3’s, contains tryptophan for good sleep and serotonin levels

• Sunflower hearts: improves thyroid function, helps diabetics and can improve skin tone

• Dried cranberries: good for the digestive tract, helps your immune system and can help treat/prevent UTI’s

*I am not a nutritionist, the health benefits written about in this post are what I have read elsewhere.