Chocolate-Coconut-Cashew Bark with Sea Salt

Chocolate and Valentine's Day just go together, right? Now what if I shared a chocolate recipe that is not only delicious, but good-for-you too? And easy to boot. Win, win for everyone.

There are only 5 ingredients in the bark so it is very important that each one is of the highest quality. Today, I used coconut and cashews for the candy, but you can substitute any combination of nuts, dried fruit, herbs and/or flavorings you like. Just keep the proportions the same. The sea salt adds a delicious contrast to the sweet chocolate but leave it off if you wish. Speaking of "sweet", I used dark, bittersweet chocolate and there is no added sugar so you can feel good about giving this delicious dessert.  And, since this recipe makes over a pound of bark, you can keep some for yourself. Enjoy. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Chocolate-Coconut-Cashew Bark with Sea Salt
(makes 1 3/4 lb bark)

16 oz best quality (60-70% cacao) bittersweet chocolate (I use Scharffenberger) well chopped
1/2 teaspoon coconut flavor extract
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
1 1/4 cups roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside

Bring a medium sized saucepan 1/4 full of water to medium simmer. Set a medium bowl over ensuring the bottom does not touch the water. Place the chopped chocolate in the bowl and stir occasionally until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut flavor, coconut, and all but 2 tablespoons of the cashews.Quickly pour onto the prepared cookie sheet and spread to create a thin layer. Sprinkle remaining cashews and about 1 tablespoon sea salt over the bark. Place in fridge and chill until firm (3-4 hours).

Break bark into pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in refrigerator. Bark will stay fresh for 7 days.
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Winter means comfort food at Food Network and this week we are celebrating Chocolate for Valentine's Day. Do you have a favorite chocolate recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. And be sure to check out the delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network. 

The Lemon Bowl: Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Creamy Cheese Frosting
Feed Me Phoebe: Dark Chocolate Beauty Bark with Chia Seeds, Pepitas and Goji Berries
The Heritage Cook: Gluten-Free Black & White Brownies with Orange Glaze
Virtually Homemade: Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Coconut
Creative Culinary: Raspberry Boccone Dolce (Pavlova with Chocolate and Raspberries)
Daisy at Home: Mocha Mousse Marshmallow Cake
The Mom 100: Molten Chocolate Peanut Butter Cakes
Dishin & Dishes: Espresso Truffles
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
The Cultural Dish: Moroccan Pots de Creme
Red or Green: Dark Chocolate Truffles- 4 Flavors 
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Chocolate-Coconut-Cashew Bark with Sea Salt
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Chocolate and Pretzel Bark with Sea Salt
In Jennie's Kitchen: Fudgy, Chewy Brownies {dairy free}
Haute Apple Pie: Mississippi Mud Pie
Taste with the Eyes: Chocolate Mint Parfaits with Chocolate Hearts
Food for 7 Stages of Life: Everyday Chocolate Granola
FN Dish: Melt Hearts with Handmade Chocolate Sweets — Comfort Food Feast

best,

diane

napa farmhouse 1885

red or green? 

California Girl in Taos

MoseyLove
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