Celebrate National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day with Good Thyme Gal!
Happy National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, chocolate lovers! 🍫🌰 Today, we celebrate the perfect marriage of flavors and textures: rich, dark, slightly bitter chocolate balanced with crunchy, earthy almonds. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate bark, almond-studded chocolate bars, or decadent baked treats, there’s something special about this classic pairing that makes every bite feel luxurious.
Bittersweet chocolate with almonds has long been a popular combination because the contrasting flavors work together beautifully. The slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate enhances the sweetness and nutty notes of almonds, creating a balanced treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, with the antioxidants in dark chocolate and the healthy fats and fiber in almonds, this is a treat you can feel good about enjoying!
So, how can you celebrate National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day? I have just the thing: a simple yet irresistible recipe that’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Why Bittersweet Chocolate and Almonds Are a Perfect Match
Bittersweet chocolate, which typically contains at least 70% cocoa, offers a deeper and more complex flavor than milk chocolate. This richness pairs wonderfully with almonds, which add a light crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty taste that rounds out each bite. Beyond taste, both chocolate and almonds have been shown to have health benefits – dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, and almonds offer vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
Combining these two ingredients gives you a treat that’s delicious and a little nourishing, perfect for a little pick-me-up or a post-dinner snack!
Ways to Enjoy Bittersweet Chocolate and Almonds
This almond bark is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the combination of bittersweet chocolate and almonds. Try adding chopped bittersweet chocolate and almonds to your favorite cookie dough for a gourmet twist, or sprinkle them over oatmeal for a touch of indulgence in the morning. You could also make chocolate-covered almonds – simply dip whole almonds in melted bittersweet chocolate and let them set for a bite-sized treat!
Bittersweet Chocolate Almond Bark Recipe
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate today, this Bittersweet Chocolate Almond Bark is an easy, homemade treat that you can whip up in no time. Plus, it makes a great gift if you’re in a sharing mood!
Ingredients
8 oz bittersweet chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
1/2 cup whole almonds
1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds (for topping)
1/4 tsp sea salt
*Optional: 1 tbsp dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a pop of color and flavor
Cooking Instructions
1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then roughly chop them.
2.
Set up a double boiler by filling a saucepan with a few inches of water and placing a heatproof bowl on top (making sure it doesn’t touch the water). Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
3.
Stir the chopped almonds into the melted chocolate, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
4.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate-almond mixture onto the sheet and spread it out with a spatula until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth – a little texture gives it character!
5.
Sprinkle the slivered almonds and sea salt evenly over the top of the bark. If you’re using dried cranberries or cherries, scatter those on top for a bit of color and sweetness.
6.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set. Once firm, break the bark into pieces.
7.
Serve the bark as a snack or dessert, or package it in a jar or box as a thoughtful gift for friends and family!
Celebrating Simple, Delicious Flavors On National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day
On National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, take a moment to appreciate this classic flavor combination. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, in a dessert, or even as a gift, bittersweet chocolate with almonds is a timeless pairing that’s worth celebrating.
So, go ahead, make a batch of almond bark, share it with loved ones (or keep it all for yourself!), and enjoy the magic that happens when rich, dark chocolate meets crunchy, nutty almonds. Happy National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day from *Good Thyme Gal*!
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