Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

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This may be the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted on here and really doesn’t even need a recipe to follow, but I still wanted to share it because of how great of a treat it is! This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you’re in the mood for a little something sweet. For this recipe, you can easily get creative and make a bark that fits with your preferences and what you might already have in your pantry. The possibilities are endless, but I’m sharing what I used to make mine below.

Health Benefits:

  • Dark chocolate is the healthiest option when it comes to choosing your chocolate, as it is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that have benefits. I started using Enjoy Life chocolate chips because they are made from sustainably harvested cocoa beans, are free from 14 allergens, including dairy, and are certified vegan and FODMAP friendly.
  • Nuts like pecans and walnuts are healthy fats that support hormone balance and regulation, while also offering nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, phosphorous, monounsaturated fats, omega-6 fats, vitamin E and more.
  • Cranberries are high in antioxidants and also provide fiber. Raisins are similarly packed with energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

  • Servings: 2 cups bark, broken
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This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you're in the mood for a little something sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/8 cup cranberries
  • 1/8 cup golden raisins
  • 1/8 cup pecans
  • 1/8 cup walnuts
  • 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/8 cup sunflower seeds

Directions

  1. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in 30 second intervals, stirring together each time. I only had to heat it for 1 minute total, then stirred until all melted together.
  2. Pour onto a greased pan or piece of parchment paper and tilt pan to let spread out evenly.
  3. Sprinkle topping of your choice on top of chocolate. I only estimated the amounts of these toppings to give you an idea, so do what you think fits and looks good!
  4. Refrigerate or freeze until solid, then break into pieces. Enjoy at room temperature, or store in the refrigerator or freezer and eat pieces whenever you want. I like to keep them in the freezer, but that’s just me!

This is such a simple idea for a tasty treat that is on the healthier side and I’d love to hear what you think of the idea, especially if you give it a try! A final tip, mix together the toppings to make your own trail mix for an easy snack!!

–Brit

Bacon & Cranberry Brussel Sprouts

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This is the perfect side dish for all of your fall and winter festivities and gatherings (COVID safe, of course)!! The bacon and cranberries bring the perfect flavor combo to the brussel sprouts, especially with the balsamic vinegar. It’s also a pretty simple and easy recipe to make and doesn’t take that long either.

Health Benefits:

  • Brussel sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially vitamins K and C.
  • Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. Often times they are sweetened though, so I recommend looking for an unsweetened kind that has no added sugar or other unnecessary ingredients.

Bacon & Cranberry Brussel Sprouts

  • Servings: 4 - 5 cups
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This brussel sprouts recipe is the perfect side dish for fall and winter meals and has a great combination of flavors!

Ingredients

  • 16 oz brussel sprouts, or 4 cups sliced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup broth of choice
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Dice uncooked bacon and cook in a pan on medium heat until edges are crisp. Remove excess grease from pan and place bacon in a small bowl.
  2. Slice washed brussel sprouts in half and place in the same, lightly greased pan that the bacon was in. Season with salt and pepper and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add broth of your choice and cover to cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Add balsamic vinegar, cooked bacon and dried cranberries and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, dish up and dig in!

If you try this recipe out, let me know what you think of it or if you have any other brussel sprout ideas! Thanks for checking this out and being here!!

–Brit