Recipe Round-Up: Cherry, Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bark

So...

Yeah.

You should make this. You know, if you are in to that sort of thing.

If you are in to dark chocolate infused with orange zest and cinnamon and covered in dried, tart cherries and roasted pistachios.

If you are in to recipes that only have 5 ingredients and take 20 minutes to make.

If you are, then, this recipe is for you. Merry Christmas!

With only four days to go, we need things that are stress-free and fabulous. Like most barks, this is so simple that it is ridiculous. Heck, I put it together with only one hand so if I can do it, you will do it beautifully! 

Here is what you need:

Oranges zest (I used clementines), dried cherries, pistachios, dark chocolate and cinnamon. That's it!

First up, put your dark chocolate in a sauce pan...

Add cinnamon...

And orange zest.

Oh, how I love that zest. "Zest" could be my favorite word. Well, that and "ganache."

{Sigh.}

While that melts over low heat...

Chop up your pistachios. De-shelling these beauties is the longest process of this entire recipe. It's a good thing they are so easy to crack open. And don't forget to sample a few. It's called quality control, people.

Once the chocolate/cinnamon/orange zest is melted and extremely happy, dump in most of your chopped pistachios and dried cherries and stir.

Pour into a foil-lined jelly roll pan and smooth out.

And then sprinkle the remaining nuts and cherries on top. So so pretty.

Pop that pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Once it is set, pull up the corner and begin breaking it into pieces. You can also use a knife if that is helpful. But remember: this doesn't have to be perfect. It's bark.



Ta-da! You did it! You are a winner!

Now, just dive right on in. A hot cup of coffee would be a most perfect compliment. Put a few pieces in a pretty box or bag and they will make an excellent last-minute gift to friends or family.

Or...they will also make an excellent last-minute gift for you.

Go ahead, enjoy.

You deserve it, rock star.

Cherry, Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bark:

2 10oz bags dark chocolate (I prefer Ghiradellie 60%)

3/4 cup dried cherries

3/4 cup pistachios, chopped

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions:

Line a jelly roll pan with foil or wax paper, set aside. Pour chocolate into medium sauce pan. Add cinnamon and orange zest and place over low heat. Stir frequently until chocolate is melted. Meanwhile, de-shell and chop pistachios. Once chocolate is melted, add cherries and pistachios, reserving 2 tablespoons of each. Mix to incorporate. Pour chocolate mixutre into prepared pan and smooth out. Sprinkle remaining cherries and pistachios on top. Place in freezer for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Remove from freezer and break into pieces. Store in an air-tight container in refrigerator or freezer.