This dark chocolate bark is studded with candied orange peel, crystallized ginger and sliced almonds for a easy DIY holiday food gift or dessert.
The downside of moving during the holiday season is that we’re going to have to alter or forgo some of our holiday traditions this year. We’re not going to be decorating our tree, for instance, as both it and our ornaments will be on a moving truck until the 22nd, at which point we’ll be so busy unpacking the essentials, we won’t have time to decorate. I’m going to be skipping my “make all of the cookies” weekend-long baking extravaganza for the same reason (though I suspect my back, shoulders and feet might thank me for that, given the whole I’ll-be-7-months-pregnant thing).
There are some positives to the timing too, though. For one, I’ve been listening to Christmas music on blast for weeks now. Dan usually puts a kibosh on hearing any holiday music until after Thanksgiving, so I’d stick to just listening via headphones or during the workday, when he wasn’t around to hear it. But with the move timed as it is, he’s accepted that he’s going to have to hear it a little early. It is amazing how much holiday music lowers my stress level. I can’t imagine doing all this rushed packing without it!
We’ll still have kitchen access in the two weeks between when we leave Ithaca and get into our new house in Minnesota, since we’ll be crashing with my parents during that time. So I’ll still get to do some baking, and can break out all my traditional favorite recipes. I’m adding in a few super-easy treat recipes this year too, for gifting to friends and family. This chocolate bark totally fits the bill – it takes less than 10 minutes to make, and looks stunning. Plus, candied orange peel + crystallized ginger + sliced almonds is a winning combination in my book.
So here’s to happy and healthy holiday travels (or if you’re as crazy as Dan and I, holiday moves). Have some chocolate bark.
Making your own chocolate bark couldn't be easier, and makes for a stunning gift or dessert. Mix up the toppings as you please - dried pineapple would be great with the crystallized ginger and almonds, for instance!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (bittersweet chocolate can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel (I used this recipe from Savory Simple )
- 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
- 3 tablespoon sliced blanched almonds
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and measure out 3/4 cup of the chocolate to set aside.
- Melt the rest of the chocolate over a double boiler, stirring often. If you don't have a double boiler, you can nestle a heatproof mixing bowl in a simmering pot of water, and melt the chocolate in the bowl.
- As soon as the chocolate is completely melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup of chocolate, stirring constantly until all the chocolate is melted.
- Spread the chocolate in a thin, even layer on the parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with the orange peel, ginger and almonds, pressing lightly to adhere the toppings to the chocolate.
- Allow to set and cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before breaking apart and serving.
Welcome to another edition of Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.
We have a core group of 12 bloggers, but we will always need substitutes and if there is enough interest would consider additional groups. To see our upcoming themes and how you can participate, please check out the schedule at Creative Culinary or contact Barb for more information.
This month’s theme is Great Holiday Desserts hosted by Jenni Field at Pastry Chef Online. Cookies, cakes, pies and more for your holiday party planning!
Great Holiday Desserts
Cakes
- Brown Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake with Bourbon and Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Cake Roll
- Bourbon Cajeta Apple Butter Goat Cheese Cheesecake
- Mini Mascarpone Cheesecakes
- Vanilla Rum-Chocolate Chestnut Saint Honoré
Oh, my gosh, you’re in the middle of a whirlwind! I am so glad you were able to participate in Progressive Eats this month given your schedule–nobody would have blamed you if you found a sub. But I’m glad you didn’t–orange+ginger+almonds with chocolate=perfect. Best of luck with the move. And the baby. And all the things!!
Yes, this is definitely a whirlwind holiday season over here!
Oh, boy, your bark is spectacular, Julie! And it would make such a festive holiday gift! Good luck with your move.
Thank you so much!
Kudos to you for moving during the holiday season! Moving is stressful enough, and i”m sure this adds an extra layer of it. I love this bark as a homemade gift!
I imagine the same can be said for wedding planning during the holiday season! 🙂
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a good chocolate bark – best wishes with your move!
Thanks so much!
What a beautiful treat for the holidays. Good luck with the move!
Thank you!
What a beautiful gift idea! Although, I may eat it all before it gets anywhere lol!
That is a serious concern – I’m definitely going to have to make another batch to have enough for gifting. 😉
I always say I’m going to make bark for the holidays, but I never get around to it. This one just might change my ways!
Do it. It is super easy!
Your chocolate bark looks awesome. It’s like a homemade candy bar with a creative twist! I hope the rest of your move goes smoothly.
Thanks so much!
This is my kind of treat! So delicious and would make such a great gift. Best of luck with your moving!
Thank you!
Lovleyyy!!
I love dark chocolate and orange together! yum!
The orange peel makes this beautiful!
Thank you!
Oooh I am moving in January so I feel for you…. good luck to you! But Christmas music (I love it and don’t even celebrate Christmas) and this chocolate bark would certainly soothe my anxiety and keep me focused. This bark with the beautiful candied orange peel reminds me of French mendiants cadies which I’ve been meaning to make…. so thanks for the recipe! Happy Holidays!
Good luck with your move as well!
What a time to schedule a move! I admire at how you manage your time (and stress). I guess you work well under pressure. This is one of the best chocolate recipes you’ve shared. Thanks!