I was sorting through old pictures from the last year, and re-discovered these images of chocolate bark that my friend Laura and I made for the BIDMC surgery resident's Thanksgiving party.
It's been a long time coming, but here they are. I'm pretty proud of our handiwork - the chocolate bark looks delicious - no?
We borrowed the recipe from http://www.joyofbaking.com/candy/ChocolateBark.html#ixzz1yI6SjIx4
The bark was surprisingly easy to make (granted I was mostly delegated to chopping and cracking pistachio shells - given my propensity to burn things). Laura made the overall process appear pretty simple, and there aren't many ingredients involved.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
16 ounces
(454 grams) semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 - 1/2
cup (60 - 120 ml) dried cranberries or cherries
1/4 - 1/2
cup (60 - 120 ml) dried papaya or apricots, diced
Note: Can
use other types of dried fruits and nuts if you like
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt about 11
ounces (300 grams) of the chocolate in a clean and dry heatproof bowl placed
over a saucepan of barely simmering water.
-Stir frequently so the chocolate will melt
slowly and evenly, and then remove from heat. Wipe the bottom and sides of the bowl to
remove any moisture.
3. Stir into the
melted chocolate the remaining 5 ounces (155 grams) of finely chopped
chocolate (in three batches).
-Make sure that each batch of chocolate is
thoroughly melted before adding the next batch. Use a rubber spatula and be
patient as this will take a little time. As the chocolate cools it will start to
thicken and lighten in color.
-Test the chocolate to see that it has reached the
proper temperature by either measuring with a chocolate thermometer 88 - 91
degrees F (31 - 33 degrees C) or you can place a small dab of melted chocolate
on your lower lip and it should feel about body temperature (not too warm or too
cool).
-If the melted chocolate is too warm, add a little more finely chopped
chocolate.
-If the melted chocolate is too cool, warm for just a few seconds in a
heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of barely simmering water. It is now ready to use.
4. Spread the melted chocolate into a 10 - 12 inch (25-30 cm) circle on the
parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle top with the dried fruits and nuts and
gently press into the chocolate. Set aside to firm at room temperature for a few
hours or refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
6. Cut or break the
bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container at room
temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Makes about 20
pieces. Preparation time 1 hour.
I'm including a picture of Laura's AWESOME tea kettle. Just because
Ooo im going to try this. Looks yum!
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