Chocolate Barks - My new found love.
Well Valentine's Day is just around the corner and chocolates is one thing that goes hand in hand with any kind of celebrations.
This Valentine's don't just buy a chocolate, give it a personalised touch with these beautiful chocolate barks. Ain't it looking decadent?
And what more this is healthy too.. I have used dark chocolate which is loaded with health benefits. And the addition of nuts and berries makes it even better
Chocolate Barks are something that is so simple to make that I had to give it a thought whether to include this in the blog or not??
But its simplicity is what makes this so special..
A 5 year old kid can make this and feel on top of the world; making it a fun activity to do with the kids.
It hardly takes any time say like a maximum of 5 mins?? And then ofcourse you need to let it chill for 10-15 mins but then yeah just spend 5 mins and a personalised gift for that someone special is ready.
My daughter is turning one in few weeks time..
The atmosphere in my home is crazy now with guest lists getting ready, menu being finalised, shopping for party supplies, return gifts and many more..
The blogger in me wants to give atleast one edible return gifts to the guests. And these chocolate barks make it into the return gift.. Yeah!!!!
The best part of these chocolate barks is that I can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until use so that I don't have to worry about doing everything in the last minute saving me time and energy.. cool na??
Apart from enjoying these chocolate barks on its own, I used this to top my Salted Caramel Freakshake. And it was so fun!!! I mean that day we (me and Bala) had so much fun topping our freakshakes it was crazy.
You can also use them to top it on your cakes, cupcakes, ice-creams.. it is that versatile.
I just love the use of hands in food photography.. It makes me feel so connected to the food and to you - my readers. I just wait for weekends to take atleast one action shot, like the one in this Thandai Masala powder. My dear husband is my model here.. hehe.. I still don't own a tripod so Mr.B helps me out.
So sweet right!! Chocolates, Time spent together, lazy weekend - I don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to make it a perfect weekend. What do you say?? Thats right don't wait for Valentine's Day just make these chocolate barks right away and spend quality time with your family.
So what do you need to make these chocolate barks??
Simple just melt chocolate of your choice. Spread it onto a parchment paper. Swirl designs if using two different types of chocolate, top it off with nuts and fruits of your choice and chill. Thats is your chocolate barks are ready. So simple!!!
If you happen to try this recipe then please do tag me, tweet me or instagram me so that I could follow you and all your posts.
Meanwhile just enjoy this simple basic recipe..
DIY Homemade Pistachio and Pretzel Chocolate Bark
Ingredients
- 250 gms dark chocolate
- 100 gms white chocolate
- 3 tbsp nuts of your choice (used pistachios, pretzels and cranberries)
Instructions
- Melt dark and white chocolate separately in the microwave in 30 sec intervals until melted. Alternatively use stove-top to melt the chocolate using double boiler method.
- Pour the melted chocolate on the baking pan lined with parchment and spread with the back of the spoon or a spatula to 1mm thickness
- Add dollops of white chocolate here and there at random spots on top of the dark chocolate and then make a swirl pattern with the help of a toothpick. Taking care not to over do as it would combine together to give a lighter shade chocolate and you wont get that swirl effect.
- Immediately add the nuts of your choice on top of it before the chocolate starts solidifying..
- Place the baking tray in the freezer for 10 mins or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Break it up using your hands into random pieces to make the chocolate barks.
Notes
2. Use nuts of your choice or completely skip it. Customise to suit your taste-buds.
Just drop by my Facebook page to say Hi!!! Let me warn you I talk a lot. 😛
Update:
I just made a video on the same and also shared a whole new post on how to melt chocolates the right way!!
Apart from making these as a return gift for my daughter's Little Krishna Theme Birthday party I also made these as a Christmas gift.
Would like to include few other toppings that you can use:
1. Any nuts : Pistachios, Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts etc.
2. Dried fruits : Raisins, Cranberries, Blueberries, Figs etc.
3. Fresh Fruits: Mango, Strawberry, Pineapple etc.
4. Indian flavours: Coconut, Paan and Gulkand, Saffron strands, etc.
5. Other chocolates: M and M', Gems, kit kat etc.
Meanwhile Pin it..
Until then
hugs
Sushma
Asha says
Is there anyway I can use chocolates without chemicals and preservatives to make ur desserts ?
sushma iyer says
Hi Asha..
I am sorry but did not get you.. do you mean to say you want to avoid the chemicals in the chocolates itself?? If that concerns you then you can make your own homemade chocolates and use it dear.. 🙂
Seema says
Looks tempting and super easy 👌 surely on my do. List. Thanks for sharing
sushma iyer says
Hey Seema.. so glad to know that you liked it.. thank you.. do share your feedback with us if you happen to try.. 😀
Smiling Notes says
Ooh they look amazing!!! Pinning 🙂
sushma iyer says
Thank you dear.. <3