Our customer service rep, Tamara, made a batch of this delicious dark chocolate bark and brought it in to share last week. We loved it, and didn't even feel guilty! As you know, a little daily dose of dark chocolate is great for your health, and the darker the better. Cacao is high in antioxidant flavonoids, which support cardiovascular health, and it also contains compounds known to promote a calming effect.  

Cacao beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. There is a misperception that chocolate is fattening. In truth, the fats in cocoa butter are healthy fats. Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, also found in olive oil.

The scene stealer for this bark, though, is just how easy it is to remember the recipe...it's simply a ¼ cup of all the main ingredients.

I N G R E D I E N T S

¼

¼ cup cacao butter

¼ cup (scant) coconut oil

¼ cup yacon syrup or maple syrup

¼ tsp vanilla powder or vanilla extract

D I R E C T I O N S

Melt cacao liquor and cacao butter slowly and gently in double boiler or in a a glass bowl over simmering water bath. Take care that no steam or droplets get into the bowl. Add coconut oil, stirring until melted with the cacao. Add agave, vanilla and spices. Remove from heat and cool about 15 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Return to double boiler and melt a second time. Add finely chopped nuts, dried fruit, etc.

Pour onto pie plate or wide, shallow bowl to 1/4" thickness. Chill until firm. Can be stored in freezer if desired.

Tamara's variation: she added ¼ cup pecans, plus 1/8 cup unsweetened coconut flakes and 1/8 cup cacao nibs.