I love Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut Bar. It’s my favorite chocolate. I thought about making some at home but decided it was best to leave it to Cadbury’s to make it the way they do – just perfect.  Instead I decided to make a more adult fruit and nut bar with dark chocolate and some of my favorite dried fruits and nuts like apricots, pistachios, and candied ginger. I also added saffron to give the chocolate an exotic flavor. Here is the recipe.

Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Bark with Apricots and Candied Ginger

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bar dark chocolate (I buy mine at Trader Joe’s)
• 10 dried apricot pieces chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 cup candied ginger finely chopped
• 1 tsp saffron strands
• 1 cup dry roasted salted pistachios roughly chopped

Directions:

• Chop the chocolate bar into small pieces.
• Place in a glass bowl and melt in a water bath.
• Once the chocolate is melted and creamy, take it off the stove and spread the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Sprinkle chopped apricots evenly over the chocolate. Do the same with candied ginger and pistachio pieces.
• Spread saffron threads evenly over chocolate and gently press down so that all the fruit and nuts stick to the chocolate.
• Place in the refridgerator for 1 hour so the chocolate can harden.
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
• After one hour remove from the fridge and cut into rough pieces. It’s ready.
• Store in a container  in the refrigerator or in a cool dry place for upto 2 weeks.

Cook’s Notes: Want to offer a healthier dessert choice for a dinner gathering?  Try making this chocolate bark and serve it with some fresh fruit and coffee. You can always have vanilla ice-cream handy for those who want something a little more sweeter.