Chocolate Nut Bark

Chocolate and nuts are a match made in heaven when it comes to warding off heart disease.

Chocolate that is at least 70 percent cacao is high in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Besides being packed with protein and heart-healthy fats – think unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids – most nuts contain fiber, vitamin E and plant sterols, all of which play an important role in lowering your cholesterol and keeping arteries free of plaque.

These two power foods together are paired together in this recipe for Chocolate Nut Bark.

But remember: A little goes a long way.

A 1-ounce serving of most nuts weighs in at more than 150 calories, and chocolate, even the dark kind, is still high in sugar and calories.

Savor a single serving and consume this sweet treat in moderation.

Chocolate Nut Bark

Yields 3 dozen pieces

Ingredients:

8 ounces (1 cup) 100 percent chocolate chips or bars

8 ounces (1 cup) 60 percent chocolate chips or bars

1 1/2 cups assorted chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts, plus more for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a medium pot with 2 cups water. Place a medium heat-proof bowl on top of the pot, and bring water to a boil.

2. Place chocolates in the bowl and stir frequently, until melted. Remove from heat.

3. Stir nuts into melted chocolate. Scrape the mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet (try to avoid wrinkles) and spread into an approximate 12-by-9-inch rectangle.

4. Sprinkle with additional finely chopped nuts, if desired. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

5. Transfer the bark and foil to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the chocolate into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Nutritional information per 1 1/2-inch piece:

Calories: 74; Protein: 1g; Carbohydrates: 7g; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sodium: 1mg; Potassium: 66mg

Published on: February 6, 2015