In this dark chocolate bark recipe by Recchiuti, the nuts and seeds aren’t caramelized, but rather roasted, which brings out layers of flavor, making this a complex-tasting treat. To give this as a gift, break the bark into small pieces, place them in cellophane bags, and tie with colored ribbon or raffia.–David Leite
LC Going Nuts Note
We know, we know, you’re in a hurry. Aren’t we all! But do make sure to let the seeds and nuts cool to room temperature after you roast them and before you sprinkle them on the chocolate or else they’ll melt the chocolate and mar the surface. And we all know there’s nothing worse than chocolate bark with a marred surface. Well, actually, what’s worse is having to flick off the offending seeds or nuts that you don’t care for, an easily remedied situation. Simply vary the toppings according to your whim, adding or omitting as you deem fit. Some chopped dried fruits–splurge on something fancy if this is a gift, like figs or pears or peaches, oh my–wouldn’t be a terrible accent.
Hazelnut, Pumpkin Seed, and Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup whole shelled hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup shelled green pistachios
- 1 1/2 cups melted, preferably tempered, chocolate (from 8 to 12 ounces chocolate, preferably 61% to 70% cacao)
- 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel, in fine grains
Directions
- 1. Line the bottom of an 8-by-12-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- 2. Place the nuts and seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven, shaking once, until fragrant and barely golden at the edges, maybe 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. (Make sure the seeds and nuts are at room temperature before you sprinkle them on the chocolate, or else they’ll melt the chocolate and mar the surface.)
- 3. Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a small offset spatula. Tap the pan on a work surface to remove any air bubbles and smooth the surface.
- 4. Sprinkle the cooled, roasted nuts and seeds and the fleur de sel over the chocolate. Tap the pan again to settle the toppings into the chocolate. When the chocolate loses its sheen and starts to set, after about 15 minutes, cut the bark with a sharp knife into 2-inch squares or other fanciful shapes of your choice. Leave the bark at room temperature until it is completely set, about 1 hour, and then separate the pieces. (You can store the bark in an airtight container left in a cool, dry place, but best to hide it carefully or it will disappear quickly. Do not refrigerate.)
Hungry for more? Chow down on these:
- Almond Joy Chocolate Bark from Elana's Pantry
- Bacon Almond Brittle from Gas•tron•o•my
- Chocolate Bark with Cardamom, Apricots, and Pistachios from Leite's Culinaria
- Spicy Pepita Brittle from Leite's Culinaria
Hazelnut, Pumpkin Seed, and Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe © 2005 Michael Recchiuti. Photo © 2005 Maren Caruso. All rights reserved.