Chocolate Bark with Nuts and Dried Fruit

I'm in a very sweet mood this week.  Today I'm posting this chocolate dessert, and then Friday I've got another chocolate dessert recipe to share.  Maybe I'm just excited about Halloween next month. Yeah, that's it, I'm celebrating early.

I'll be honest, I'm also excited about the holidays (I know, you hate me, right? I just mentioned the "H" word).  But seriously, everyone seems to be in the best mood around holiday time.  And now that I'm not working in a supermarket, I won't be forced to listen to holiday music all day long (although I secretly really enjoyed that, darn it).

I've already started creating a list of the cookies and chocolate desserts I'll be making come December, and I'm thinking this might just make the list.  These were so simple to make, I don't see why I wouldn't add them to this year's holiday goodie bags.

Chocolate Bark with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Source: Eating Well Magazine

Makes ~25 pieces

Ingredients

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried fruit (I used dried blueberries and strawberries)

1 1/2 cups assorted unsalted nuts (I used peanuts and walnuts)

** NOTE: If you are following a low FODMAPs diet, this recipe is low FODMAPs and safe to consume.  The dried fruit does contain some FODMAPs, but the small amount found in this recipe shouldn't cause any problems. If you are really sensitive, omit the dried fruit.

Directions

1.  Line a rimmed baking pan with foil (~9 x 9 inches).  Melt 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler (make sure water is hot, but not boiling).

2.  Combine the melted chocolate with the nuts and dried fruit in a medium bowl.  Spread the mixture into the foil-rimmed pan.

3.  Sprinkle additional nuts on top if you wish.  Put in the freezer and freeze until set.  Break into ~25 pieces, and enjoy!

Estimated Nutrition Facts for 1/25th of recipe

Source: CalorieCount.com

Nutrition Highlights:  Under 150 calories (not bad for dessert!).  And....that's about it (although I suppose I could point out that the saturated fat in this recipe is mainly stearic acid, which is the saturated fat found in dark chocolate that is supposed to help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol.....supposedly.)

QUESTION:  Do you love or hate to get big trays of cookies and candies over the holidays?  I'll be honest, I hate it, but then I do it myself (I'm such a hypocrite!)

Thanks for reading!


The Candid Rd