Valentines Chocolate Bark With Pretzels And Dried Fruit Recipes

VALENTINE'S DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BARK

Steps:

• Bring a small pan with 1 inch of water to a boil over medium-low heat. Place the white chocolate in a small bowl and place over the simmering water. When it is almost halfway melted, remove the bowl from the heat to a towel. Continue to stir with a rubber spatula until completely melted. Set aside. Repeat with the bittersweet chocolate.
• Pour the bittersweet chocolate onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread to 1/4-inch thick. Use a rubber spatula to drizzle the white chocolate over the bittersweet in zigzags and decorative patterns. Run the tip of a skewer through the chocolate in different directions to make swirls. Sprinkle with the toppings as desired. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, then break into pieces.

VALENTINE'S CHOCOLATE BARK WITH PRETZELS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet or 9-by-13-inch baking pan neatly with foil, allowing at least 2 inches of overhang on the two long sides.
• Bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Place a large heatproof bowl on top (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water). Add the bittersweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil. Heat the chocolate, stirring gently, until nearly melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and place on a kitchen towel; stir gently until completely melted.
• Scrape the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet or baking pan and, using an offset spatula, spread in a 1/4-inch-thick layer. Arrange the pretzels on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate. Freeze until just firm, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a clean large heatproof bowl over the simmering water. Add the white chocolate and the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Heat the white chocolate, stirring gently, until nearly melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and place on a kitchen towel; stir gently until completely melted. Let the white chocolate cool slightly, then scoop out 1/4 cup into a small bowl and reserve for decorating.
• Scrape the white chocolate from the large bowl onto the firm chocolate bark and, using a clean offset spatula, spread in an even layer. Immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries and crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. Freeze until nearly set, about 5 minutes.
• Add 1 to 2 drops of pink food coloring to the reserved white chocolate and stir until your desired color is achieved. Scrape the pink chocolate into a small resealable plastic bag. Cut off a tiny tip of one corner. Drizzle the pink chocolate all over the bark, then decorate with sparkly pink sprinkles, if using. Refrigerate the bark until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Peel the foil off of the bark. Break the bark into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or cool dark area of the kitchen.

WINTER DRIED FRUIT AND NUT CHOCOLATE BARK

Steps:

• Line small baking sheet with foil. Melt chocolate chips in medium bowl over saucepan of simmering water, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour melted chocolate onto foil, spreading with offset spatula to thickness of scant 1/4 inch. Scatter nuts and dried fruit over chocolate. Sprinkle with ginger. Sprinkle with fleur de sel. Chill until chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes. Peel off foil. Cut chocolate into irregular pieces. Serve bark slightly chilled.

PRETZEL STRAWBERRY BARK

Steps:

• Line a 15x10x1-in. pan with parchment; set aside. , In a double boiler or metal bowl over hot water, melt chocolate until 2/3 pieces are melted. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Stir in 1 cup pretzels. Spread into prepared pan; top with strawberries and remaining pretzels (pan will not be full). Refrigerate until firm, 15-20 minutes. Break or cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container.