November 30, 2012

Almond Pomegranate Chocolate Bark



I made this last night. 
Almond Pomegranate Bark

It took 10 minutes, maybe 15. Of course that doesn’t include the cooling time. Or the drying time for the pomegranate arils, but you can totally do that ahead of time. 

Last week, my sister asked me what in the world she was supposed to do with the pomegranate she bought. She really only wanted to know how to get the seeds (arils) out. But then...I ran across this recipe from Lexie’s Kitchen. So what did I do? Well, I went out and bought a pomegranate and some chocolate chips of course.

Almond Pomegranate Bark

For Christmas this year, I'm giving homemade gifts only. Yep, I am going to be that person this year. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) But I will include chocolate. There will always be chocolate. I really don't want to see disappointment on my nephews' faces when they open their "study time" room sprays and scented rocks, so there has to be chocolate. Normally for Christmas, I would make sugar cookies, or those cookies with the chocolate kisses in the center, or maybe some peppermint bark. I used to love peppermint bark. Actually, white chocolate was my favorite chocolate – which is funny, because it’s not really even chocolate.  So instead of my traditional holiday cookies and treats, I plan to give out some healthier goodies this year. Not healthy as in absolutely no sugar or cardboard-like taste. But things like homemade caramels, biscotti made without white/wheat flour (that will be a new experiment soon), and simple chocolate truffles.


Almond Pomegranate Bark


So this chocolate bark, inspired by the clusters at Lexie's Kitchen, was really made just for me – but now I'm thinking I will make some for Christmas to include with gifts (or more for me). And if the kids don't like them, I'm sure my sisters will happily oblige and take them off their hands.

Okay, I'm done talking. Let's get to it before I am tempted to eat the rest of this tonight.


Almond Pomegranate Bark
printable recipe

What you need:

1 1/4 cup chocolate chips (Enjoy Life is gluten/dairy/nut/soy-free which you can get here or here.)
3/4 cup pomegranate arils (1 pomegranate)
1/4 cup sliced almonds, optional (or more as desired)


How to make:

Remove the arils from the pomegranate. Cut pomegranate in half (or in quarters). Fill a bowl with water and put pomegranate pieces in bowl. Using your hands, remove arils, letting them fall in the bowl. Try to keep the pomegranate under the water to prevent spraying juice on yourself. Scoop any white pulp from the bowl and discard it with the rind. Drain the water (or scoop out with hand) and lay arils on a baking sheet. Dry them with paper towels, a kitchen towel, or allow them to sit out and dry for a few hours. They need to be very dry before using for best results.

When arils are dry, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler pan, fill a saucepan at least halfway with water and bring to a simmer. Put chocolate chips in a heat-proof glass or metal bowl and place the bowl on top of the pan of simmering water. Stir chocolate occasionally until melted. Do not let water get in chocolate.

As the chocolate melts, line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Remove melted chocolate from the heat and add about 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds to it (use less than this if you prefer). Stir to incorporate. Evenly spread the mixture on the parchment paper with a spoon or spatula. Immediately add the 1/4 cup of pomegranate to the top along with the almond slices. Press seeds and nuts down slightly with the spatula or spoon (or fingers). Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator (uncovered) until the chocolate hardens, approximately 30-60 minutes. Once chocolate is firm, break the bark into smaller pieces. Store in refrigerator or freezer. 
Almond Pomegranate Bark


Notes: 

  • Enjoy Life® chocolate chips are dairy/soy/gluten/nut-free. They are more expensive but if you don't buy them often, it's worth it. Otherwise, most brands of semi-sweet chips don't include milk (but definitely check the ingredients if you are allergic). 
  • -I used semi-sweet chocolate, specifically Enjoy Life® mega chunks. They were actually a little too sweet for me. I guess that happens after 45 days without sugar. Use any type of chocolate you like. Next time, I think I will use dark chocolate.  

Other easy desserts you might enjoy:

Almond Pomegranate Bark


Shared at:Gluten Free Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Allergy Free Wednesdays,

Fast and Easy Paleo Recipes

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, while your costs remain the same, Livin' the Crunchy Life will receive a small commission. Affiliate links are used to pay for any blog costs, including ingredients for recipe development. I appreciate your support!

2 comments:

  1. I love your blog! This looks so delicious that I went out and bought a pomegranate so I can make it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rosie! I hope you enjoy -- it is very addicting!

      Delete

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