Nutty Chocolate Bark
Dark chocolate packed with gut friendly nuts
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Chocolate cravings can be hard to ignore sometimes.
Heres a healthy treat that will satisfy your cravings AND benefits your gut health. Enter nutty chocolate bark!
Pistachios contain fructooliogosaccarides (FOS) , galactooligiosaccharides (GOS) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) - three different forms of beneficial prebiotic fibres. Pistachios feed a special type of gut bacteria called Akkermansia muchinphila that strengthens the gut lining or improves "leaky gut". People with digestive issues often show low to no level of this bacterial species.
Hazelnuts provide FOS and GOS which also supports healthy gut bacteria.
Dark chocolate is a better alternative to milk or white chocolate with it's high cacao content. Rich in antioxidants with less sugar than conventional choc treats.
A small to medium sized piece goes a long way :)
Serves 8-10
Ingredients
2 blocks 70% dark chocolate (snacking chocolate not cooking chocolate)
50g pistachios, shelled, roasted and lightly crushed
50g hazelnuts, roasted and lightly crushed
1. In a small sauce pan, heat 1/4 water on low- medium heat
2. In a heat proof mixing bowl, or double boiler, break apart the chocolate into the bowl. Let the chocolate gently melt up until 90%, stiring with a spatula
3. Take chocolate off heat. Mix in half the pistachios and hazelnuts, until all the chocolate has melted
4. On a baking pan with baking paper, spread the mixture evenly to about 5cm thick, in a roughly rectangle shape
5. Top with the rest of the roasted nuts
6. Set in the fridge for one hour to harden
7. Once hardened, break into pieces and enjoy!
Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks
Caution: Not recommended if you have sore throat or already feel hot and dehydrated - it’s a heat promoting treat. Enjoy in moderation, especially before or after exercise as a pre-workout or post-workout snack.