This Dark Chocolate Bark Just Won Dessert

Bedazzle your cookie bark!
Bedazzle your cookie bark!

The holidays mean many things, and in my home, one of those is giving the gift of lots of sweet food. It might not be too friendly on the waistline, but if there's any time of year to indulge, it's now! Come November, I stock up on pounds of chocolate because everyone requests this chocolate bark every year. It's not any chocolate bark, mind you, but a dazzling display of deliciousness melted into one decadent bite. Sweet dried fruits, candied ginger and sea salt flakes mimic jewels and diamonds and create a gourmet chocolate bark a step-up from the traditional!

Jeweled Chocolate Bark

Ingredients

1 pound good quality dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Related: 18 fresh-baked holiday treats they won't regift

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted; about 1 minute and 30 seconds total.

2. Line a 9"x13" baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pour the melted chocolate onto the paper and spread evenly with a spatula until the chocolate is 1/8" to 1/4" thick.

3. Evenly sprinkle the apricot, cherries, cranberries, ginger, and salt onto the chocolate. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes to harden and set. Once set, peel the paper from the chocolate and discard. With your hands, break the chocolate into large enough pieces for serving. Store in a food-safe container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

-By Meredith Steele

For 12 decadent cookie bark recipes to whip-up this Christmas, visit Spoonful!

Spoonful | Make. Everyday.
Spoonful | Make. Everyday.

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