Cranberry and Pistachio Chocolate Bark

Chocolate Bark is something that has been growing in popularity over here in the UK the last few years. I first saw it in Hotel Chocolat about 5 years ago, and it was quite expensive. I am not sure why it has taken me this long to have a go at making it, as it is so very easy to do.

I saw a picture (sadly, I can't remember where now) that used chocolate of two colours which gave the bark an interesting effect, so I decided to do mine that way.

The toppings for chocolate bark are limited only by your imagination. I have recently seen some very festive recipes involving crushed peppermint candy canes on top. However, I wanted to go a different route, and use cranberries and pistachios, as the red and green is a colour combination that screams Christmas. The addition of sea salt crystals may seem odd, but the two flavours your tongue craves are sugar and salt, and this satisfies both. It is easy to leave out if you prefer, or alternatively use salted pistachios.

Ingredients:

• 200g White Chocolate
• 200g Milk Chocolate
• handful of cranberries
• handful of pistachios
• small pinch of sea salt crystals (optional)

 Method:

1. Line a baking tray with baking parchment or greaseproof paper
2. Melt your white and milk chocolate separately either in the microwave, or using the double boiler method (a bowl over a pan with water in)


3. Chop your pistachios slightly, not into dust, but just so that there aren't any whole or large pieces
4. Pour the melted chocolate in swirls over the tray. Pour the other chocolate on areas of the tray not covered by the first chocolate.
5. Using a spatula or pallet knife, spread the chocolate together just enough to fill all the gaps but not so much that you fully combine them. You are after a swirl of two colours, not a blend (see image).
6. Take your toppings, and sprinkly evenly over the surface of the melted chocolate. 
7. Add the pinch of sea salt (if you are using it).
8. Leave out for 10 minutes until cooled, then place in the fridge to set for about an hour.
9. When fully set, break into random and non-uniform shapes.

 Makes a great gift. Just keep refrigerated until its ready to give.