Nutty Chocolate Bark

I love making barks as they last forever in the freezer. You never know when you may need a little something, and this is it!

Ingredients:

12oz chocolate chips ( I like dark chocolate, you can also use Vegan Choc chips)

3/4 cup of nuts ( almonds pecans, pepitas, pistachios, walnuts…use a few or mix it up)

1/4-1/3 cup of dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries or a mix

1/2 teaspoon of flaky salt

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 6-8 minutes. When cool enough, roughly chop nuts.

2.Melt chocolate slowly in a double boiler, or in a microwave safe bowl in short 30 second increments . When the chocolate is almost melted take off heat and keep stiring.

3. Cover a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper . Using a silicone spatula, spread chocolate evenly over baking sheet until 1/4 " thick.

4.Lightly sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the chocolate, then follow by dried fruit, then salt flakes.

5. Place baking sheet in refrigerator until hard.

6. Break into pieces and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator .

Holiday Healthy Peppermint Bark

This Holiday Healthy Peppermint Bark is the perfect balance with a mix of crunchy pumpkin seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and a touch of peppermint, it's a treat that brings joy and health. It's the perfect bite-sized way to add a little magic to your holiday season or anytime.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 3/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds and/or chopped almonds

• 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries

• 2 12-ounce bags of dark chocolate chips

• Natural crushed candy cane pieces in top (optional) or mint extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet, spread coconut and pumpkin seeds.

2. Bake for approximately 3 minutes or until coconut is lightly golden and fragrant ( keep an eye on this).

3. Add cranberries to parchment lined baking sheet and mix with coconut and seeds. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat ( or a double boiler) warm chocolate chips, stirring until chocolate is mostly melted. Remove from heat and keep stirring until chocolate is completely melted.

5. Pour chocolate over coconut, seeds, and cranberries. Using a silicone spatula, spread out into a smooth layer covering the parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of chocolate mixture if desired . Let cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until completely cool and solid. Once chilled, remove, break bark into pieces, and serve.

6. You may freeze for a later date …if its lasts that long!

   Note: If you choose not to use candy cane, you can add a few drops of mint extract to the chocolate.

Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 12-13 whole soft large dates ( soak in water for 10 minutes if not soft)

• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder

• 2 tbsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1-2 tbsp of water ( if necessary)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients ( except water) in a food processor

2. Add 1 tbsp of water if its is not coming together ( it should be a touch hard to process)

3. Transfer to a bowl and put in the freezer for 15-20 minutes

4. Take a small ball scooper and roll into 1” balls

5. Roll in cacao powder ( optional: sprinkle with shredded coconut or even drizzle some melted chocolate over each ball)

6. Place rolled balls in the freezer separated on a small sheet pan or flat tupperware lined with parchment until hard . Store in a covered container in the freezer to keep fresh.

7. Eat chilled or at room temp.