| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 18g | 8g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 3g | 4g | 0.4g |
In the beating heart of my childhood home, the fragrant scent of Indian spices and the Californian zest for colorful ingredients were inseparable. Just like that, my love for fusion cuisine emerged, carried forward into my adult life and causing thrilled whispers wherever I served my dishes. One of my unparalleled favorites among these artistic amalgamations is the Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark – a beautiful medley that harmonizes the nutty crunch, the exotic sweetness of raisins against the perfect backdrop of dark, luscious chocolate.
Unboxing the Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark
This divine recipe elicits memories of my mother’s kitchen where the kinship of flavors always seemed magical. I added my own Californian twist to it. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a perfect Indian-American love story where each ingredient has its special role. The good-quality dark chocolate forms the base, carrying the show-stopper antioxidants that are good news for your heart health. The chopped mixed nuts lend their savory bites and an abundant profile of nutrients like heart-healthy fiber and protein. The raisins present a delightful chewiness, packing an impressive nutritional punch with iron, calcium, and vitamin B. And let’s not forget the sprinkling of sea salt for an exciting kick of flavor.
What I adore about this fusion recipe is its versatility. The Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark makes a heartwarming gift for any occasion, a nutritious snack for kids, or a top-notch dessert to satisfy those intense chocolate cravings. It’s not far different from popular Indian sweets like ‘mewa-batti’ – but instead of being loaded with desi ghee, it’s bathed in irresistible, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. For something completely different, pair it with an exotic Ginger Mint Iced Tea or perhaps Blackberry Pick-Me-Up, as suggested by Food and Wine.
My Personal Touch
Faisal, my husband, often fondly tells our two sons about the first time I made the Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark. It’s these kinds of meals that bring my family together, creating a culinary bond that spans both our American home and our Indian heritage. This layered delight promises a taste of my roots, reinvented in a sun-soaked Californian style – a true celebration of the flavors, textures, and health benefits that my kitchen treasures.
Add a touch of Aria to your repertoire and try making your own Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark. Here’s to delightful fusion cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 16 ounces of good-quality dark chocolate
- 1 cup of mixed nuts (like almonds, pecans and walnuts), chopped
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
Method
Step One
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your bark from sticking to the pan and make the removal process easier later on. Be sure to choose a baking sheet that’s large enough to spread your mixture thinly and evenly.
Step Two
Next, you will need to chop your nuts. A roughly chopped mix of almonds, pecans, and walnuts works well for this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorites. Once they’re chopped, set them aside while you prepare your chocolate.
Step Three
Break or chop your dark chocolate into small, even pieces. This will help it to melt more evenly. Place the chopped chocolate into a heat-proof bowl.
Step Four
Using the method of your choice, such as a microwave or a double boiler, carefully melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment to ensure that the chocolate doesn’t burn.
Step Five
Once the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, remove it from the heat. Immediately stir in the chopped nuts, the raisins, and the sea salt, making sure that everything is evenly distributed through the chocolate.
Step Six
Pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to do this. Be sure to work quickly to spread the mixture before it begins to set.
Step Seven
Allow the chocolate bark to cool completely. This can take a couple of hours at room temperature, but you can also put the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Step Eight
Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces. Your Raisin and Nut Chocolate Bark is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a sweet treat or package it up as a homemade gift.
