Chocolate bark is one of the easiest dessert creations. It takes moments to prepare, is a canvas for creativity and can be served in a myriad of different ways. This one is perfect for a patriotic July 4th celebration.
It is a combination of chocolate, nuts, sprinkles and colorful fruit. It can be served whole to resemble a brushed version of the American flag. It can be cut into squares or can be broken into chards to garnish desserts. Either way, this simple dessert will delight you with the red, white and blue colors that are so patriotic and oh, so sweet!
INGREDIENTS
1 bag of chocolate chips or chocolate pieces
blueberries or black grapes sliced in half, carefully soaked and rinsed or confectionery stars
strawberries, carefully soaked and rinsed (see kosher notes), freeze-dried strawberries or craisins
almonds, candied ginger or white marshmallows, mini or cut into strips
DIRECTIONS
Melt chocolate in microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. I used the microwave to melt chocolate on a flat microwave-proof plate for 6-8 minutes on the timed defrost cycle.
Pour chocolate over a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or wax paper, spreading with a rubber or silicone spatula to about 1/8 or 1/4-inch thick. I like to spread the chocolate as thin as possible without being translucent.
While still hot, decorate the chocolate with the fruit and nuts for a creative rendition of the American flag. Place blueberries, grapes or stars in a grid fashion on the left corner of the chocolate to represent the stars. Create rows of sliced strawberries or craisins and almonds, ginger or marshmallows to create the stripes of the flag . Carefully set each piece of fruit and nut into place by gently pushing into the warm chocolate.
Allow bark to cool on counter or in refrigerator, until chocolate hardens.
If serving in squares, score with a knife before chocolate hardens, If breaking into chards, wait until chocolate has cooled and hardened.
Store in ziploc bag or wrap individual pieces in plastic bags.
KOSHER NOTES
Kosher laws disallow the eating of any whole insects and therefore strawberries require a process of soaking, rinsing and in some cases, pureeing. Kashrut authorities differ somewhat on the proper checking of strawberries and some disallow the eating of strawberries, altogether. This blog was not designed to be your kosher authority, so please consult your local rabbinic authority regarding the use of strawberries.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Place chards or squares atop cheesecake, brownies or ice cream.
simple to wow 