Looking for a healthy and delicious treat? Look no further than this Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark! This recipe is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, it's packed with nutrition thanks to the quinoa and antioxidant-rich chocolate. So why not give it a try today? You may just find yourself making this recipe again and again!
It is an exciting day around our house!
The boys were up extra-early, anxious to open their first day of their Lego Advent calendars.
It is an annual tradition that they love so much.
This was the first year that Skye has one too, and I think the boys must have been getting her amped up about it.
Even before they were up, Skye said: "Mommy, I'm so excited." At 3, I don't recall her ever saying that before.
When I asked her why, her reply was "Christmas!"
Since our tree isn't up yet and I haven't been talking about it with her, I can only assume that one of the boys told her that today was a special day.
If I had to place my odds on who it was, it would be Alex, my oldest.
He is all about the holidays!
For years he has used Amazon to build huge wish lists. Lists so big that they stop being helpful because there is so much on them.
It reminds me of how as I kid I spend hours with the Sears catalog circling everything I wanted for Christmas.
Even though I knew I wasn't going to get it all, that didn't stop me from looking through the catalog every chance I got finding all the "stuff" I wanted.
It is so fun to see Skye just starting to understand what is going on and Alex (who will be twelve in a few weeks) growing up. This year he's into the decor more than ever, and we are even talking menus.
Since it is a special day, what do you say we have some chocolate?
Not just any chocolate. Let's share a new twist on an old favorite - Quinoa Chocolate Bark.
This year I'm making it with pistachios, a hint of heat and a little extra salt. If you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, it doesn't get better than this.
I LOVE the texture of popped quinoa and if you haven't tried it you really must! In this chocolate bark, it reminds me of a really small rice crispy.
I'm not going to lie - an oil based popcorn popper is the easiest way to pop quinoa, simply because it does the stirring for you. If you don't have one, never fear. You can either pop it on the stove top or skip popping all together and use toasted quinoa. Toasted quinoa won't have quite the same lightness, but it is still yummy.
Have you tried making quinoa chocolate bark?
Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios
Ingredients
- 8 ounces good quality chocolate melted (I used Green & Black's Dark Chocolate)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ¼ cup popped or toasted quinoa
- ½ cup shelled pistachios chopped
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Line an 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Mix melted chocolate with cayenne pepper and stir well. Pour chocolate in to prepared pan and smooth with a dry spatula. Top with popped or toasted quinoa, pistachios and sea salt.
- Chill for 30 minutes, or until set. Remove from pan and break into pieces.
- To pop quinoa: Heat coconut oil in a popcorn popper or heavy duty saucepan. Add quinoa and pop for about three to five minutes, until the seeds become golden brown. (If you are using a saucepan you will want to cover it and shake frequently to prevent burning.) Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
Here is a great tutorial for toasting quinoa: http://www.food.com/recipe/how-to-properly-clean-and-toast-quinoa-421986
jill
Ok...popped quinoa sounds awesome. Make it just like popcorn? how to tell when done? I buy sprouted quinoa so no need to rinse, this sounds really good as in the old days i liked the crispy choc bars..thanks for recipe!
Wendy Polisi
It is done when it turns a golden brown. You have to keep a close eye on it because it goes from perfect to burnt fairly quickly.
Paula Whelan
Will my electric popcorn maker pop quinoa? I sure hope you say yes!
Wendy Polisi
That is what I use! You just have to keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
I can't wait to try this recipe! I always love treats that are health and delicious. This looks great.
Tessa @ Mama Smith's
That's what I like to see! I'm all about nom noms that have a healthy benefit. That gives me an excuse to eat more of it. 😉
Emily, Our house now a home
Oh wow, this is a great combination of flavors! I would love to give this a try, maybe make a big batch of it and take it to a party as a yummy dish.
Jeanette
OHH you are speaking my language! I will be making this over the weekend! It looks so good!
Notorious Spinks
This looks good and yummy. I bet the pistachio and the chocolate compliment each other just right.
Carol Bryant
I have discovered how wonderful quinoa is over the last two years or so. I love the nutty taste of it and did not think you can put it in chocolate. Is it delish?
WithOurBest
YESSSSS! I just pinned this recipe! It is gluten free and I can make sure to get dairy free chocolate. LOVE THIS!
Dogvills
This looks so yummy! Quinoa is not popular where I live, so I hope I find it here.
myteenguide
Quinoa chocolate looks so yummy..I haven't tried this but very interesting! I love it.
Michelle Varga
Looks like such an easy and delicious treat to make this time of year! Thanks for the recipe!
Beyond Beauty Lounge
I had to pin can't wait to make it, yum!
Wendy Polisi
Hope you enjoy!
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Wendy Polisi
Angela Harris
I love Quinoa and always eat it as a rice substitute, but what a wonderful way to change things up a bit. Looks so yummy.
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much! It is a fun way to change things up.
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Wendy Polisi
Eloise Maoudj Riley
what great combos, I bet this taste fantastic! I'd love to give this a try : )
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much Eloise. If you do try it let me know how it goes.
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Wendy Polisi
Shannon Graham
Chocolate is my favorite and pistachios are my husbands favorite...this is meant to be XD