18 May Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bark

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bark

Chocolate (in addition to being addictively delicious) has many health benefits. It’s true! But, like many healthy things, it’s what we add to the chocolate that makes it bad for us. With that in mind, here is a yummy dark chocolate bark packed with protein and fiber. Hooray!

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag extra dark chocolate baking chips (60-70% cacao)
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup organic unsweetened cacao powder (if you prefer it EXTRA extra dark)
1 cup raw quinoa (I use red quinoa)
1 cup raw almonds (optional)

PREPARATION:
*Heat the baking chips and coconut oil in a large microwave-safe bowl on high for 40 seconds.
*Remove from microwave and stir. Return to microwave for 10-15 more seconds if needed.
*Stir vigorously until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. It will continue to melt while stirring.
*Stir in cacao powder, quinoa and almonds until well blended.
*Pour onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and spread evenly.
*Place in the refrigerator to fully cool before breaking into pieces.
*Store in an air-tight container.

Voila! A much healthier version of a Hershey bar with almonds. This bark has now become my go-to cheat food. Sometimes I’ll add an assortment of other raw nuts and seeds to mix it up a bit. Don’t take my word for it: make a batch and serve it to your friends and family. They won’t believe that it’s actually a “health food.” And yes, it’s just as addictive as the unhealthy version. As a chocoholic, I’m devoted. So if I know I’m going to be in an environment that calls for me to eat poorly, such as the movie theatre, you can bet that I’ve got a ziplock of this dark chocolate bark in my bag.

Live Young,

Darnell 🙂