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 .

Herbed Apple Cider Spritz

Cozy, spiced, and oh-so satisfying!

Ingredients:

1 cup pure apple cider (unsweetened)
1/2 cup sparkling water
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Cinnamon stick
Thyme sprigs

Instructions:

Stir apple cider with lemon juice.

Add sparkling water and a cinnamon stick.

Garnish with thyme for an earthy touch.

Pro Tip:
The cinnamon stick infuses more flavor the longer it sits!

Optional: If you choose to make this with alcohol you could add 1 oz of Bourbon, whiskey, tequila or Rum.

You could also rim the glasses with a touch of lemon and coconut sugar .

Cinnamon Roasted Pears

I love stewed or cooked fruit in the Fall and Winter. Healthy, grounding, and oh so comforting!

Ingredients:

2 ripe pears, halved and cored ( trim a bit off the bottom so they can lie flat)
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up, . Drizzle with maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until pears are tender. Serve warm.

Pro Tip: Top with a spoonful granola, yogurt, vanilla ice cream or add in your morning oats.