If eating healthier foods was part of your New Year's resolution, but you're a little worried about sacrificing taste, this recipe is sure to put your fears at ease. Now, we know there are people are there who don't like chocolate, and to the 3 of you out there reading this, we apologize. We'll find another tasty treat for you. This chocolate bark is rich, simple to make and full of antioxidants. If you've heard about antioxidants, but are still unsure of what they are what they do for you, here's a basic rundown.
- Antioxidants are like your own little army that help protect cells against free-radicals in the environment.
- Carotenoids (there are more than 600) are well-known leaders in the fight against certain cancers. Lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene are are kinds of carotenoids.
- Vitamin C, perhaps the best known antioxidant, helps the body fight infection and helps produce collagen.
- Vitamin E helps protect from cell damage that can lead to certain types of cancer, heart disease and cataracts.
To make the bark you'll need:
16 ounces dark chocolate (the darker the better!)
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1 cup of shelled pistachios
In a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave, heat the chocolate. The key to heating chocolate is to go low and slow, being careful not to burn it. Mix in half of all the ingredients with the melted chocolate. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spread the chocolate mixture in a thin layer. Sprinkle the rest of the ingredients on top. Let the bark set on the counter for a couple hours. Break into pieces and enjoy!