Chocolate granola bark

When you craving something a little sweet, a little savory and a whole lotta easy, whip up a batch of this dark chocolate granola bark, loaded with dried fruit and finished with crunchy sea salt. Store it in the freezer for an anytime treat.

We've been talking about vegetables so much lately that I thought I'd give you a break.

I may be a tireless advocate for healthy eating, but I'm no saint. Regular readers can attest to the fact that my recipe index is peppered with a fair amount of sweet or salty treats; Mr. Ninj can attest to the fact that I tend to make batches of cookies in the late afternoon almost every weekend (hello, late-day cravings).

Chocolate barks like this one are an ideal way to keep treats on hand without overindulging. When I make a tray of this chocolate granola bark, I break it into smallish pieces and store them in the freezer. If I need want a little treat -- say, in place of a full dessert or late in the day when dinner is still a few hours away (there's that late-day craving again!) -- I dip into the bag of bark and just eat one small piece.

One small piece is all it takes, too, because the bark made with dark chocolate, which is a great way of satisfying a sweet craving without going overboard. And, of course, we've all heard that a little dark chocolate in your diet is actually good for you, the same way a glass of red wine is good for your heart. And, just as you wouldn't drink a case of red wine in one sitting just because a little is good for you, you won't eat the whole tray of bark either: it's too rich and, frankly, that would just be ugly-ass gluttony, now wouldn't it?

Everything in moderation, so you don't have to deny yourself a treat. Or wine. Just sayin'.

The other thing I love about this bark is that it's not just sweet; it's also loaded with crunchy granola, nuts and good-for-you dried fruit -- and topped with savory sea salt -- so it satisfies the sweet-and-salty craving just as well.

Oh, and did I mention that it's ridiculously quick and easy to make? Yeah, you knew it would be -- that's how The Ninj rolls.

Are you fan of sweet treats or salty ones -- or both? What's your favorite way to satisfy the craving while not blowing your healthy eating routine? Leave a comment: The Ninj wants to know. 

Chocolate Granola Bark with Dried Fruit and Sea Salt

(adapted from Food and Wine)


Ingredients:
12 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries (or both)
2/3 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup granola
coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:
Set aside a little bit of the raisins, fruit, nuts and granola for topping.

Melt the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Once the chocolate has melted, stir in the raisins, fruit, nuts and granola that you did NOT set aside. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining toppings, plus a bit of coarse sea salt (to taste). Let the bark cool for about 15 minutes then place it in the refrigerator for several hours. Once solid, cut or break into pieces and store in an air-tight container in the freezer until ready to eat.

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