As much as I try to avoid it, I just about always need an afternoon snack. My first impulse is usually for a sweet treat but what I should be noshing on is something with a little protein or complex carbs so that my hunger is actually satiated. A handful of nuts or some low-fat yogurt and fruit are good options and ones that I turn to quite frequently. But lately my go-to afternoon pick-me-up often involves Dark Chocolate Dreams, Peanut Butter & Co's peanut butter and dark chocolate spread ($6).
Made with chocolate and peanut butter (two staples of my diet), I'm not exactly surprised by how much I like this stuff. Dark Chocolate Dreams also reminds me of two of my favorite indulgences: Nutella (it's a bit like an American take on the classic chocolate-hazelnut spread) and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. But, regardless of the yummy factor, Dark Chocolate Dreams makes an excellent snack because it satisfies my sweet tooth while also providing some much-needed protein. At work, I like to spread Dark Chocolate Dreams on a plain cracker (graham crackers would likely make an even better match) or apple slices, but it would also be terrific on toast and I have recurrent fantasies of using Dark Chocolate Dreams to make Fried Bittersweet Chocolate Sandwiches. Peanut Butter & Co suggests pairing Dark Chocolate Dreams with bananas or spooning it over ice cream as a chocolate-y, peanut butter-y sauce and I would like to try subbing it in for regular peanut butter in peanut butter cookies. Actually, I'm pretty sure Dark Chocolate Dreams would be an excellent addition to just about anything.
Fried Bittersweet Chocolate Bread
Gourmet | December 2006
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Active time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Buttery and crunchy, with a rich, oozy center, these little sandwiches (a cross between panini and chocolate croissants) provide a sweet ending that can be prepared in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 16 (1/2-inch-thick) baguette slices, cut on a long diagonal
- 1 (3- to 4-ounce) fine-quality bittersweet chocolate bar (no more than 70% cacao if marked), broken into 1/2-inch pieces
Preparation
Generously butter 1 side of each baguette slice. Place 8 slices, buttered sides down, on a work surface and cover each slice with chocolate, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with remaining 8 slices, buttered sides up, to make 8 sandwiches.
Heat a dry 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick) over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then fry 4 sandwiches, turning over once, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer sandwiches to a plate and wipe skillet clean. Fry remaining sandwiches in same manner. Serve warm.
by Lauren Salkeld
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